Sevenoaks District Council Press Release

23 March 2020

For Immediate Release

Volunteering scheme launched to help residents during the Coronavirus outbreak

Sevenoaks District Council is supporting a community scheme to allow residents to help or request assistance during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Operated by ‘Care for our Community - Sevenoaks’, the scheme makes it easy for residents to volunteer their time to help people nearby who may be self-isolating. There will be a number of volunteering opportunities with the chance to help with small tasks, including collecting and dropping off shopping. Residents who sign up will be matched with someone who has asked for help.

Residents who are self-isolating can register with the service to request help from a local volunteer.

Volunteers are each given a ‘Care for our Community – Sevenoaks’ badge with the Sevenoaks District Council logo and a unique number so residents can contact the Council to check if the volunteers are genuine.

Cabinet Member for People and Places, Cllr Lesley Dyball, says: “We have been extremely impressed by the community response to this outbreak with individuals and businesses coming together to help those in self-isolation. We believe we have an important role to help to coordinate this effort. In this difficult time, it’s important we all come together and help each other and scheme is a fantastic way for people to volunteer their time to those who are unable to leave their homes.”

Residents who want to volunteer should visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/communityvolunteer, while residents who want help should go to www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/requesthelp

Alternatively, they can call 01732 227000.

'Care for our Community - Sevenoaks' consists of local voluntary groups, town and parish councils and Sevenoaks District Council.

Issued by: Daniel Whitmarsh, Communication and Consultation Manager

Call: 01732 227414
e-mail: daniel.whitmarsh@sevenoaks.gov.uk