More than 1,700 sign up to Greenwich council appeal to help vulnerable during coronavirus outbreak

More than 1,700 people have responded to an appeal by Greenwich council to support residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 600 are now ready to take to the streets – with many of them already out and helping vulnerable people who need it most.

Working with partners at Charlton Athletic Community Trust to co-ordinate the effort, an existing council call centre has doubled its capacity to create the new community hub.

Council leader Cllr Danny Thorpe said: “There are going to be many difficult days ahead and we are all going to need to pull together and dig deep to support and protect the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“That’s why we are working with charities, voluntary organisations, businesses and partners, to do as much as we can to help.

“Our team have already taken over 6,000 calls and are starting to make a real difference.”

John Butcher was the first volunteer to start supporting local residents via the council’s campaign.

He said: “I delivered a letter, did shopping trips with Charlton Athletic Community Trust and I’ve also been helping someone sort out their energy bill and put money on their card.

“Everyone needs to pull together, and if you’re able to help, you should volunteer. It’s just about working together if you’re able to.”

Do you need help? If you need help because you are self-isolating and have not got a family member, friend or neighbour who can help, call the community hub, seven-days-a-week, from 8.30am until 6pm on 0800 470 4831 or email covid19support@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

To sign up, click here.