The Walford Community Support Scheme has really shown how a rural support group can make such a difference to its’ parishioners who maybe isolated or lonely especially during the recent months of Covid-19.
The scheme was established in 2016 and has developed a fantastic group of volunteers who support the service users with everyday tasks in their homes, for example collecting medication, taking people to appointments and encouraging service users to engage in regular social gatherings and outings.
For so many the reality of Covid-19 and lockdown caused anxiety and confusion, the thought of not seeing friends and family was devastating.
But the WCSS swung into action with volunteers offering to go shopping or deliver much needed medication. The service users were all supported by regular befriending calls to check on their health and wellbeing. For many elderly service users modern IT technology is still to be mastered but a few challenged themselves with becoming more familiar with the internet and were amazed at the results – Zoom calls were deemed to be incredible.
During the crisis the scheme was successful in applying for a grant from Herefordshire Community Fund. As lockdown restrictions eased, they were able to ‘lift the spirits’ of the services users through their volunteers making special deliveries to their homes. Miffys Teashop in Ross put together the most delicious afternoon tea box, Audreys Fish Bar replaced the usual Fish ‘n’ Chip lunch with a home delivery and a ‘Treat Box’ containing local produce from Wye Valley Produce, Lodge Farm Kitchen and Franks Luxury Biscuits was gratefully received. Service users were also provided with an upcycled material face mask and hand sanitiser to ensure their wellbeing when venturing out.
As time moves forward the scheme is hoping that it will be able to resume social gatherings under new guidelines, allowing friends to reconnect and to embrace any new members of the community who wish to join the scheme. Their hope is to use the grant funding to enhance the social gatherings, introduce new ‘ IT drop in’ sessions helping support service users with virtual appointments and to encourage younger members of the community, who may also require support, to be able to meet and enjoy the invaluable help the volunteers can offer.
The WCSS is very grateful to everyone who has supported the scheme since it was developed, but particularly to the local volunteers who have reached out to help so many throughout the Covid-19 period, allowing the community to take care of those who are isolated or lonely.
If you know of anyone in the Walford Parish who may wish to be supported by the WCSS, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact 07493171430 or e mail community@walford-pc.org.uk
