A COMMUNITY project which has supported residents during the coronavirus pandemic has revealed that demand for its services has decreased substantally in recent weeks. 

But organisers of Hexham Community Together have insisted that the scheme is still operating, and is continuing to assist people who are self-isolating, and are unable to call upon family, neighbours and friends for help. 

The initiative is a unique collaboration involving both Northumberland County Council and Hexham Town Council, with volunteers working hard to serve the community. 

A statement from Hexham Town Council said: "The demand for services offered by Hexham Community Together and its team of dedicated volunteers during the lockdown has decreased substantially in recent weeks and it is believed will continue to do so. 

"Hexham Community Together will continue to offer a service for residents who are still self-isolating and don't have help with essential shopping and to collect prescriptions."

The statement added: "Hexham Community Together would like to thank all those who have worked with it over the last few months, and those continuing to do so, to ensure Hexham has been able to take care of its elderly and vulnerable residents during a very difficult period."

Hexham town councillor Cath Homer, who also serves on the county council serving Hexham East, said: "As we start to move cautiously in to the second phase of unlocking our communities, I am conscious that many of our Hexham Community Together volunteers will be returning or preparing to return to work.

"I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support, which has kept many of our older and more vulnerable and isolated residents going over the last 12 weeks.

"The response and willingness to help has been truly amazing and demonstrates once again what a great place we are lucky to live in.

"Over this time we have seen the national chains improve their access to deliveries for vulnerable customers and many of our local businesses have stepped up and adapted to new ways of operating, which has meant that the number of calls for help we have received, has steadily decreased."

Coun. Homer extended her thanks to other organisations which have contributed, including Adapt, Hexham Community Partnership, Hexham Youth Initiative, and Karbon Homes. 

If you do not have access to any other means of obtaining shopping and prescriptions the phone number to call is (01434) 609575 Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 15.00.

Shopping and collection of prescriptions can only be carried out on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Residents continuing to shield will receive deliveries of food parcels and prescriptions directly as per their existing arrangements.