Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is partnering with Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA) to co-ordinate support for vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Following discussions, BVA will bring together a community network to support community organisations and understand where additional support is required across the borough.
The partnership seeks to enhance the significant community work already taking place across the borough and provide a source of further information and guidance.
Working closely with BVA, the borough council will also support residents with the latest advice and help match suitable volunteers to community groups across the borough.
This includes queries around offering your services as a volunteer, setting up your own group, operating effectively and how to support volunteers.
If you are thinking about starting a group in your area or have already done so, please visit www.bvaction.org.uk/coronavirus-volunteering or call 01256 423852 to register your group and find contact details for accessing guidance and support.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Partnerships at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Simon Bound said: “We know this is a worrying time for our residents and it has been very positive to see the amount of people who have come forward to help the most vulnerable people in our community, whether that be delivering food parcels or collecting prescriptions.
“I am pleased we have been able to work closely with BVA to set up a coordinated community response to this outbreak so we can provide essential services to those who need it and help local people to support one another. If you are concerned about the welfare of a relative, need advice or would like to know more about how to volunteer, please get in touch.”
Chief Executive at Basingstoke Voluntary Action Tony Capon said: “This is an unprecedented time for the voluntary sector and the need to come together as a community has never been greater.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the borough council to help champion the amazing work already happening and providing a co-ordinated response to furthering this work.”
