Wigan group continue to offer help in the community

A community group in Wigan is continuing to provide support to residents despite the Government ending help for those shielding.
Paul OgdenPaul Ogden
Paul Ogden

A community group in Wigan is continuing to provide support to residents despite the Government ending help for those shielding.

Many of the schemes for those shielding from Covid-19 ended at the beginning of the month – but Standish Coronavirus Help said it will still aid those who need it.

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The project has seen residents’ group Standish Voice and councillors Debbie Parkinson, Adam Marsh and Ray Whittingham co-ordinating support for those self-isolating and require help.

This can include help with shopping or simply a chat if someone is feeling lonely and needs to hear a friendly voice.

Group spokesman Paul Ogden said: “Standish Voice and our village councillors are continuing to run Standish Coronavirus Help, co-ordinating the work of our very dedicated and selfless volunteers who are looking after people who feel unsafe in visiting public places.

“And despite the Government ending help for those shielding and saying they can leave their homes, Standish Coronavirus Help will continue to support these people for as long as they wish.

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“We would like to thank again all our wonderful volunteers who have helped with this initiative. We have had some really heart-warming feedback from them and the people they are looking after about the scheme.

“Many of the people being helped and the volunteers have become friends and have pledged to keep in touch when the pandemic is over.”

The group does have some volunteers who haven’t been called upon, but still needs them to be available in case current volunteers cannot carry on.

It said the Standish Voice treasurer Karen Bliss has processed hundreds of payments for shopping, which ensures people get the vital supplies they need.

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They added: “A big round of applause for Karen and also Standish’s Coun Adam Marsh, who has been the liaison between Wigan Council and the scheme, ensuring everything we do is co-ordinated with their Covid-19 response.

“And we would like to thank Standish call handling company SMARTstrat, which continues to run our helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week – and has been doing for more than four months. ”

Email councillors [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected] if you need any help.

Urgent calls can also be made to the 24-hour Standish helpline on 01257

228488.