Over the past few months, local voluntary and community groups have been supporting the residents of Southend via the Southend Coronavirus Action Helpline. Individuals, led by local community groups, have helped with things like going shopping for residents, collecting medication, topping up gas and electric and have even supported with dog wlaking!

Thanks to this kindness and generosity, over 620 residents have not had to go without, and have been supported during these difficult times.

The Voluntary sector response for the helpline has been provided by groups including; Shoebury Residents Association, Southend Estuary Scout District, Life Streams, Charlie Boys Angels, Lions Club of Leigh, Southend Labour Party, Leigh Baptist Church, Thorpe Bay Youth Project, Trust Links, Citizens Advice Southend, South Essex Advocacy Service and SAVS.

The Lions Club of Leigh Community Chairman, Tim Watts, is leading the club’s contribution: “Many of our members are themselves in the higher risk categories, so our frontline team is small – but totally committed. So far, we have delivered food parcels, done shopping for individuals, collected prescription medicines and taken people to clinical appointments. We are in action seven days a week.”

Tim Browne, from The Scouts, said “‘It was heart-warming how grateful she was. She wouldn’t come outside until I’d left. Clearly protecting her father who I saw through the window, and as I drove away she was still waving and mouthing thank you so much. I’d lie if I didn’t have a tear in my eye. For me it’s something to do. For them it is so essential, life saving for some.”
Southend Association of Voluntary Services have been guiding and supporting the community response. Development Officer, Roger Savage added “The community response has been heart warming and I would like to say a massive thank you to all the groups and individuals involved. The volunteers should all be extremely proud of what they have achieved so far and how many people they have supported.”