Major appeal for coronavirus volunteers in Wigan

Wigan Council is working with residents and the voluntary sector to coordinate support to those in need in self-isolation, including providing food parcels and delivering vital medical supplies.

It has created seven new community hubs but for them to work fully there needs to be a recruitment drive for “emergency response” volunteers and “good neighbours” who can go shopping for those in isolation or help out at food banks.

Council employees will be deployed to the frontline, helping volunteers and key workers.

Coun Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities, said: “In times of national emergency, it’s heartening to see our borough come together in this way.

“The council has worked hard to ensure there are seven community hubs operational borough-wide.”

“However, that would not be possible without the positive spirit and good-willed nature of our community groups.

“In addition to the hubs, community groups across the borough are showing fantastic spirit and are doing some brilliant work.”

The hubs will provide a base in each community, where referrals for support will be received and delivered. They are in both Wigan and Leigh town centres, plus Worsley Hall, Swinley, Atherton, Ashton, Hindley and Shevington.

Although key workers and community groups will operate the hubs, the council is urging residents who are well to volunteer their time over the coming weeks and months.

Coun Ready added: “The hubs are making a great start, but we need good-willed members of the public who are fit and well to help us continue this invaluable support.

“We’re looking for people to support our staff in two ways: ‘emergency response’ volunteers who can support vulnerable people and ‘good neighbours’ who can pack food at food banks or buy food for those in self-isolation.

“Any services delivered by volunteers will of course be within the national guidance to ensure residents’ health and wellbeing.

More details about the hubs, volunteering and a self-referral form to access support will appear on the Wigan Council website next week.

Those in urgent need of support should call 01942 489018 and a worker from the nearest hub will be in touch as soon as possible.

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