Town council launches task force to help people during virus crisis

* Llangollen Town Hall from where the Good Neighbour scheme is being co-ordinated.

* Now with updated contact email - see the foot of story

Llangollen Town Council has launched a special scheme to help those most in need of support during the coronavirus crisis.

Good Neighbours aims to recruit a task force of people who can provide transport, run errands and prepare meals for the elderly and vulnerable in the area.

The intention, says the council, is to lend a hand to emergency services which may find it hard to cope as the number of those struck down by the virus continues to mount.   

In a statement issued early this morning (Monday) the town mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy, says: “Following a recent meeting with the South Wrexham cluster of GP Practices, which includes the Llangollen Surgery, the Town Council are working with other Community Councils and Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council to establish a Good Neighbour Scheme for those in need of help and support.

“Volunteers will be needed to replace some of the services offered by the Social Services and other professional care agencies, as their staff resources may well be stretched due to a number of their own personnel being affected by the virus and not being able to attend work.

“Volunteers would therefore be deployed to free health professionals, and other agencies, to target their support for individuals within the community that need a higher level of intervention.

“Therefore, the priority for any good neighbour scheme during the current COVID-19 would be to:

·         Providing transport.

·         Run errands, shopping or collecting prescriptions.

·         Preparing emergency meals.

·         Cooking meals.

·         Visiting or befriending.

·         Providing cover for carers."

And referring to schemes such as the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group started on Facebook recently by Bethan Mascarenhas of the Old Vicarage Care Home, the statement adds: “The Town Council recognised the efforts of individuals and businesses who’ve already have established support mechanisms on social media platforms and will ensure that they are linked with the good neighbour scheme.

“It is very welcoming to see such initiatives coming forward within the Llangollen community, but one would not expect any less from such a caring and compassionate community that we are all fortunate to live in.”

* Those who wish to get involved the in Good Neighbour scheme are asked to contact any town councillor or to email: covid-19@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk