VOLUNTEERS are being called upon to help a Tyne Valley town’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hexham Community Partnership was heavily involved with the Hexham Community Together scheme, which supported elderly and vulnerable people throughout the lockdown period.

The successful project saw many volunteers support residents who would otherwise have been unable to access food and other everyday essentials.

Now that shops and other businesses have reopened, the town’s economy is very much in the recovery stage, and the partnership is calling on volunteers to get involved once again.

It is calling on people aged between 18 and 80 to join a volunteer hub which will be gradually developed over the next year.

The partnership’s communications and tourism officer Rachel Ladd said: “Hexham really came together during a difficult time and it was especially heartening to see how many people volunteered to help other residents in need.

“Their efforts made a real difference to the level of assistance we were able to offer.

“Our aim is to build a shared resource that is focused on matching skills to needs.

“Working in partnership with others, signposting where appropriate, training where relevant, we hope to develop a capable and diverse group of volunteers that can provide help where it is most needed.

“If you find yourself with skills to share, and time to spare, whether you are 18 or 80, please get in touch with us.

“Whether you are a potential volunteer, or an organisation that relies on volunteers, please share your skills or your needs with us and we will listen.”

The partnership is itself getting back up to full speed, after operating a reduced programme of activities in recent months.

It is also working closely with businesses and other organisations in Hexham to help them prosper, and is encouraging residents to support local independent businesses as much as possible.

To get in touch please email admin@hexhamcommunity.net.