Thousands of food parcels, help and support are being delivered to the most vulnerable of Kent thanks to the efforts volunteers with the help of district councils, Kent County Council and the NHS.

When the coronavirus lockdown was put in place, the government asked councils to create community hubs to ensure emergency supplies reached the right people.

Staff identified those most in need, like those self-isolating or shielding, and helped organise volunteers to deliver food, collect medicines, walk dogs, cut grass or simply be a supportive voice on the end of the phone.

The call to action came as councils were fighting to keep their own critical frontline services running, such as waste collections, while coping with staff having to self-isolate or discover new ways of working from home.

Canterbury City Council was one of many overwhelmed with offers of support and had to close its appeal for volunteers when more than 1,000 signed up.

William Benson, chief executive of Tunbridge Wells Council and chairman of the Kent Resilience Forum’s Covid-19 Vulnerable People and Communities Cell, said: “What more can I say than a massive 'thank-you- to everyone who has made this possible?

“I have always believed the people of Kent are incredibly special. Their selflessness and determination to come together at a time of acute need is both awe-inspiring and humbling in equal measure.

“Councils, blue light services, residents, charities, community groups and businesses have all come together to look after one another. We have been overwhelmed by offers of help and support.

“This extraordinary effort comes at the same time that almost everyone is following the government’s call to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

“While the government is providing direct support to those who are extremely vulnerable, councils across the county are working to ensure no-one falls through the cracks.”

Each council has had to adapt to treat its own area in different ways.

Ashford

Ashford Borough Council set up its Ashford Response Depot as part of its crisis response and has delivered 211 boxes of food with the help of the Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

It is working closely with the voluntary sector, including Family Food Banks, The Willow Centre and Ashford Vineyard, and has had donations from Waitrose and Tesco.

More than 40 staff are dedicated to the cause with more than 200 volunteers signing up to help.

They have collected more than £2,000 in donations.

One relieved resident emailed to say: "After receiving a call from your support group we had a food parcel delivered the very next day. You're all amazing. Thank you for doing such a good job. Really was a ray of sunshine in an otherwise stressful time."

To sign up for help or to give help, visit www.ashford.gov.uk/your-community/emergency-planning/health-and-pandemics/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-help-for-the-community/

Canterbury

The Crisis Hub set up by Canterbury City Council attracted more than 1,000 offers of help, raised more than £12,000 in donations and around 300 stepped forward to carry out vital community work.

Officers have identified 14,000 households which could potentially need help.

It has so far received 1,800 requests for support, delivered more than 800 food parcels and 160 prescriptions

One resident wrote back: "I just want to say thank-you for the food you have delivered to me. I didn't get the name of the lovely gentleman who contacted me but I want you to know how grateful I am. I am cut off from my family and your volunteer was the first human I have seen in almost five weeks. You are all amazing."

For help, call 01227 868598 or visit canterbury.gov.uk/help. If you are referring someone else, you will need their consent first.

Dartford

Dartford Borough Council has set up a food packing and delivery hub called Dartford Together in a large, unused secure area at a shopping centre.

Through working with food banks the council has been able to obtain, pack and deliver 160 food boxes to its most vulnerable residents using its own staff of 81. It has a list of 222 volunteers to call on should it need them to help.

It has also delivered 40 prescriptions.

One couple wrote: “We are self-isolating because of the Covid-19 pandemic and my husband being high risk. After speaking to you yesterday, we were delighted to receive an emergency food parcel today by a most courteous driver which we greatly appreciate.

“We would like to thank the council and its staff for looking after us in these uncertain times and in our time of need."

To get help, call 01322 343244.

Dover

Dover District Community Hub created by Dover District Council is at the centre of its efforts make sure nobody falls through the cracks.

The hub has contacted 1,987 residents on the shielded list, received 598 referrals and 315 calls to its hotline, delivered 64 food parcels has a list of 189.

The council launched a £50,000 Covid-19 Community Fund to support local charities and community groups along with a public and corporate fund-raising effort.

The hub operates 9am to 5pm, seven days a week. Call 01304 821199 or email Covid19@dover.gov.uk. To register as a volunteer visit https://forms.dover.gov.uk/site/xfp/scripts/xforms_form.php?formID=878&language=en

Folkestone and Hythe

With a determination to go ultra local, Folkestone and Hythe District Council supported three hubs with grant funding: the Folkestone Community Hub, Hythe Community Hub and the Romney Marsh Community Hub.

The Folkestone hub is working with the Three Hills Sport Centre helped by the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Kent Coastal Volunteering.

In Hythe, Age UK Hythe and Lyminge is playing a key role while on the Marsh the help of the Romney Marsh Day Centre is vital.

So far the hubs have organised 1,005 loads of shopping, prepared and delivered 3,555 hot meals, received more than 14,000 requests for help and have signed up 632 volunteers since being set up in March. Recruitment has now been frozen

Cabinet member for communities Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee said: "The district has really risen to this challenge and the response has been amazing. I've been closely involved with this social response and I've been able to witness first-hand the dedication and passion that has gone into providing these services.

"All our partner organisations, council staff and volunteers involved in this deserve recognition for the fantastic job they are doing in tough circumstances.

“I particularly want to thank the staff at the three hubs and the volunteers giving up their time and effort to help support vulnerable people in the district. The positive feedback we've had just goes to show that the residents receiving these services are so appreciative and that these hubs are really making a difference."

But recently she admitted volunteers were "finding their goodwill stretched" because some residents were misusing the services. One volunteer delivering a prescription discovered the intended recipient had "gone for a drive" and another rejected a food delivery because it was not fully organic.

The council's Covid-19 helpline is 01303 761116 (9am to 5pm every day) or email Covid-19@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

Gravesham

More than1,800 vulnerable people have been helped by Gravesham Borough Council since its hub was set up.

Working with the North West Volunteer Centre and a number of others it has delivered 62 food parcels and referred 752 people to voluntary or community groups for help.

More than 550 people have signed up to help.

To apply, visit www.gravesham.gov.uk/support or call 01474 337070.

Maidstone

The Maidstone Community Hub was created within days of the coronavirus lockdown by Maidstone Borough Council. It’s made up of several different teams working virtually and physically to ensure urgent food and medical supplies are provided for the most vulnerable people in the borough.

So far it has delivered 300 food parcels, received 1,726 request for help and contacted 2,600 people on the shielded list.

The hub has also developed a team focussing on wellbeing and support for people who have been socially isolated. A dozen pregnant women have also been helped by the hub.

Alison Broom, the council's chief executive, said: “We have been inundated with offers of help from volunteers, community groups, charities, councillors and parish councils.

“It is fantastic to see everyone pulling together and working so hard to support our communities. Thank-you so much, we are truly very appreciative.

“I am incredibly proud of our own staff, too, who have worked tirelessly to set up the hub at such short notice and completely from scratch. Thank-you to everyone involved.”

Those who need help should call freephone 0300 303 1650 or visit www.maidstone.gov.uk/covidsupport

Medway

By April 23, Medway Council's Coronavirus: Medway Support Project had delivered 2,432 food boxes to 3,637 of the area's most vulnerable - the equivalent of 76,377 meals.

It also offers a personal shopper service and someone to collect medicines or prescriptions.

The hub is a collection of voluntary organisations, private companies and public sector employees all working together to ensure help is provided to everyone who needs it during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It targets the most vulnerable identified by the NHS in the high risk group, those most affected by social distancing guidelines and those who do not have any family, friends or neighbours to support them.

The council has identified and contacted 6,000, including the self-isolating, the elderly, those with long-term health conditions and families with low-incomes to check how they are and if they need any more support.

Food parcels include basic essential supplies such as tinned food, vegetables and rice as well as other general household products. The service is also being supported by Medway Foodbank, part of the UK-wide Trussell Trust network of food banks.

Cllr Alan Jarrett, leader of Medway Council, said: “The Coronavirus: Medway Support service is providing a lifeline to those identified as being most at risk and unable to leave their homes during the pandemic.

"Our priority is supporting our most vulnerable residents who have nobody else to help them. Council teams have been working hard to contact thousands of residents most in need of extra support.

"The virus has created challenging times for us all but the response has been inspiring. We’ve had many people volunteer from across Medway offering help and support and strengthening our emergency support service.

“We recognise there may be other residents in need of extra help during self-isolation and are working closely with partner agencies to support additional residents who have no one else to turn to."

He added: "Thank-you to everyone who is involved in providing this vital emergency service for our most vulnerable residents. Thank-you also to all key-workers and everyone who is helping to keep Medway’s residents safe."

Gillingham Pier Asda helped get home essentials together for the rough sleepers the council has housed. Donations of money are being accepted to boost the food parcels on the council's website.

To speak to someone to arrange social contact calls, call 01634 306 000. You will be redirected to the right organisation. Or email better.connected@medway.gov.uk or visit the website www.medway.gov.uk/info/

Sevenoaks

Care For Our Community - Sevenoaks District has been set up by Sevenoaks District Council.

It is supporting 1,100 people and has had 1,500 sign up to volunteer.

One person who stepped in straight away was Anthony Shipwright, a youth worker at the Eden Christian Trust, Edenbridge, who also volunteers with Kent Search and Rescue to help find missing vulnerable people.

He said: "Volunteering and helping people in need is in my blood. So when the virus hit the UK and the council set up the volunteer scheme, I registered straight away. It's been greatly received and well-coordinated.”

Anthony has helped 10 households. His jobs have included picking up shopping and medication and delivering meals.

He added: "The response from the community has been fantastic, from the businesses offering support to the gratitude of those people we have been assisting. It is truly heart-warming to see so many smiles and high spirits in such a challenging time.”

For help, visit sevenoaks.gov.uk/requesthelp or call 01732 227000.

Swale

Swale Community Response is supporting people who need to self-isolate during the coronavirus outbreak and who don’t have friends or family to support them. The team is working with a range of voluntary and community groups to ensure vulnerable people have food and essential supplies, so they can stay safe at home.

So far it has contacted 921 on the shielded list and delivered 343 food parcels.

One resident wrote: "I would just like to say thank-you for the prompt reply and support given by you and your colleagues. I am grateful for both in helping to relieve some of the anxiety for me in the present circumstances.”

Cllr Roger Truelove, leader of the council, said: "We all need to be doing the right thing and staying at home unless we have a good reason such as going out for food or essential supplies. We can also try to help each other by keeping in touch with family, friends and neighbours who may be self-isolating.

"For those who don’t have this kind of support network around them, we have been working with community partners to help with things like shopping pick-ups. Since the county-wide Kent Together line opened they’ve sent us more referrals for help than any other Kent district.

“This shows how vital it is for us to work together and support each other during this pandemic. We ask that people only contact us if they don’t have someone to help.

“Demand on the service is high. We need to make sure we prioritise those that are most vulnerable and are in greatest need.”

For more details visit www.swale.gov.uk/community-response or for urgent help call 01795 417525.

Thanet

Thanet District Council’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team quickly launched its support service for vulnerable people affected by the coronavirus pandemic to meet and track residents' needs as they emerge. It includes a community helpline.

The council is working in partnership with the Salvation Army, Global Generation Church and town and parish councils to meet the varying needs.

More than 1,100 people have called the helpline or emailed for support. The council has taken calls from 1,500 extremely vulnerable people, delivered 70,000 leaflets and more than 150 residents have already been signposted to Kent Coast Volunteering.

Deputy leader Cllr Helen Whitehead said: “The council is working hard behind the scenes to make sure the vital services our communities rely on are still delivered.

“I would urge anyone who is vulnerable, self-isolating or social-shielding and does not have a support network available to them, to contact our dedicated helpline.

“Doing so will help us identify those most in need of supplies and allow us to help them get what they require. If you would like to volunteer to help, please get in touch with us.

“We are also hugely grateful to all of our partners for their assistance."

The helpline on 01843 577330 is staffed by redeployed officers and is open from 9am to 5pm every day.

Tonbridge and Malling

The Tonbridge and Malling Community Hub was set up in-house by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council but is working closely with groups, charities and parish councils.

The council's senior civil enforcement officer Sophie Smith said: “I love my day job but it certainly makes a change to be doing something which brings a smile to people’s faces.

“Many of these people live alone so they really appreciate the help but also the chance for a quick chat, as they often have no one to talk to while they are in isolation.”

Launching the helpline, Leader of the council Cllr Nicolas Heslop said: “We are determined to play our part in responding to the emergency and are devoting all our energy to maintaining essential services, supporting our communities and protecting the vulnerable.

“It has been humbling to see how the residents of Tonbridge and Malling have responded in these most difficult of times. Supporting one another, watching out for neighbours and sacrificing the personal freedoms we so often take for granted are the only way we will defeat the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak.”

To sign up for support, or to volunteer, visit tmbc.gov.uk/services/community-and-living/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-community or call 01732 876152, seven days a week.

Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council created the Tunbridge Wells Community Hub by working closely with the Nourish food bank, Age UK and the Tunbridge Wells Self-Isolation Support Group, a volunteer group which has sprung up since the lockdown.

The hub is also in contact with the parish councils to ensure they have emergency food supplies for their residents. Through the housing team it ensures people who are homeless or rough sleeping are being looked after.

There is a team answering the phones and responding to emails at the hub which is in the Assembly Hall Theatre. They are also packing food for deliveries to the parishes and emergency deliveries to residents.

Deliveries are being handled by Auto Windscreens which volunteered for the task.

Council leader Cllr Alan McDermott said: "The council has set up a community hub working alongside Kent County Council and town and parish councils to ensure food and support is getting to the right people either directly or through other organisations. It’s an amazing exercise in co-ordination and has been a welcome lifeline for many."

For details call 01892 554497 (9am - 5pm) or visit www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk.

Kent County Council

Kent County Council launched a 24-hour helpline at the start of the crisis called Kent Together to provide a single, convenient point of contact for anyone who is in urgent need of help during the coronavirus outbreak.

It is a collaboration between KCC, central government, district, borough and local councils, the voluntary and community sector, the NHS, emergency services and other partners to ensure help is at hand for vulnerable people.

It is also the place to report your concerns about the welfare of someone else.

Kent Together is being coordinated by Kent County Council which feeds the information through the network of volunteers, district and borough council teams and local support groups to ensure people get the support they need, when they need it.

Needs are assessed and staff liaise with community hubs in the districts to prioritise those who need urgent help.

If you are vulnerable and have an urgent need which cannot be met through existing support networks, contact the Kent Together helpline at www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether or call 03000 419292 at any time.

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