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Coronavirus Kent: Gillingham mum launches Facebook page to support elderly during Covid-19 pandemic

By: Will Payne

Published: 12:19, 13 March 2020

Updated: 12:38, 13 March 2020

A mother of three is calling on people to show their support for the most vulnerable in society.

Kirsty Gill, of Carrington Close, Gillingham, has set up a Facebook page for people to offer their assistance to the elderly during the coronavirus outbreak.

Kirsty with her son Jamie, 3 and her daughter Tyla, 9. Picture: Kirsty Gill

Kirsty, who is a full-time carer for her daughter, thought of the idea after noticing a reduction in the number of elderly people going about their normal lives.

She has offered to do people's shopping, walk their dogs and any other jobs older people don't feel comfortable doing due to fears they may catch the deadly virus.

The 30-year-old said: "I'm just worried about all of the old people. I usually see quite a lot of people walking their dogs and popping to the shops for their paper and I'm so worried that they are not going anymore.

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"Because I'm at home a lot and I can help them, I would rather them stay at home and feel safe.

"The only thing I worry about is some elderly people are not as trusting, so we would buy all of their shopping and give them a receipt and then collect their money so they don't feel they are giving their money away."

Public Health England have urged people to stay at home for seven days if they are showing mild symptoms of Covid-19. Stock picture

"The worry is that some people will exploit this and take advantage of the old people which is why I want to set up a Facebook group and we will show IDs and things like that."

Public Health England has urged people to stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions as much as possible.

The page has already attracted nearly 20 people and Kirsty has begun to help local elderly residents.

To find out more, or to offer your support, email kirstygillltfj@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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