VILLAGERS in Delph have joined forces to serve their community in time of crisis.
More than 100 people have signed up to volunteer to help friends and neighbours, isolated and vulnerable by the coronavirus pandemic.
Supported by the Co-op and Post Office, the Carry On Delph group has been established to help people in their hours of need.
From picking up shopping and newspapers to collecting vital medication, arranging emergency repairs or even providing a friendly voice for a chat, locals are rallying round with outstanding community spirit.
More than 2,000 leaflets have been delivered with contact details and ways in which Carry on Delphers can assist.
White Lion landlord Alan Warriar is at the hub of the help operation.
He called an initial meeting in the pub prior to lockdown. But after suspending trading earlier this month, he has gone from cooking food and pulling pints to CoD receptionist.
“I wasn’t sure anyone was going to turn up to that first meeting,” admitted Alan.
“To my surprise there must have been 70-75 people. From there, we formed a committee and altogether now we have about 150 people on board.
“We have one lad who works for the NHS and is also in touch with the Council which is a good link to have.
“One of the local councillors, George Hulme, has come on board now and we have other good contacts through WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. Everyone is doing their bit and I am the focal point for the phone calls.
“I take details of what is needed. That information then gets passed to the volunteers.
“We have drawn up a map of where the volunteers are. So, if you live on Delph Lane and need some help, we will look to see if we have a volunteer on Delph Lane and ask them to help.
“We had a lady and her husband in their 80s who are self-isolating and wanted a newspaper dropping off. So, we arranged that.
“With the help of the Co-op, customers can pay for goods by card over the phone and we will pick-up the food and deliver it.
“Again, if someone can’t get out and needs a prescription collecting and dropping off, we will help.
“We even had one person at the caravan park in Denshaw walk into the village for shopping at the Co-op. They gave her a leaflet and she has since phoned to see if we can also service Denshaw.
“I also started a foodbank, which has been more of a slow burner as the shops have been reasonably stocked. If we get tougher lockdown though then that will come into play as well.
“If we don’t use it then we will donate it when we can to Oldham Foodbank for anyone who needs it.”
If you would like some help from the Carry on Delph group look for contact details on the poster provided here.
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