ORGANISATIONS in and around Hexham are combining with local authorities to provide assistance to an increasing number of vulnerable residents in the town.

Community organisations are coming together with Northumberland County Council and Hexham Town Council to deliver the best possible coordination of assistance during the current status of lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Coun. Bob Hull, the mayor of Hexham, said: "Self-isolation and social distancing have meant that many of our residents are now needing help with everything from basic day to day tasks like shopping for groceries, collecting prescriptions and library book collection to more social elements like a friendly voice at the end of the phone.

"This coordination will seek to meet these needs in the best but safest possible way and will involve all those organisations which are already doing such good work in the town. It is anticipated that the need will evolve over the next few days and weeks."

Volunteers from organisations, businesses or individuals, are asked to contact the town council on 01434 609575 or clerk@hexhamtowncouncil.gov.uk to offer their services so that a map of volunteers can be drawn up.

Residents who need assistance and who cannot obtain this from family, friends or neighbours are asked to contact 01434 600599 (option1) or lizp@adapt-tynedale.org.uk

A new Hexham Community Together facebook page has been set up ‘HCT-Hexham Community Together' and an email address: hexhamcommunitytogether@gmail.com.

Hexham Community Together is not an emergency service and does not in any way replace existing welfare and other services. The aim is to be able, in the exceptional circumstances we face, to ensure those who need it can receive the best assistance in a timely manner by being signposted to an appropriate organisation or volunteer.

Northumberland County Council has also established a Northumberland Communities Together online map of help available here NorthumberlandCommunitiesTogether@northumberland.gov.uk and is also running a helpline on 01670 620015

Coun. Cath Homer, the county councillor for Hexham East, is playing a role in developing the group. She said: "We have a fantastic volunteer community in Hexham any way and it's brilliant that these groups are coming together to provide a safe and reliable service to the people currently vulnerable who just need help.

"There has been brilliant offers of support from individuals too already, and we would be very glad to receive more. Even in the face of adversity, Hexham is a fine place to live with generous people."