BCP Council is appealing for more volunteers to come forward to support residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole during the lockdown – and beyond.

The council’s community support, Together We Can helpline has been stepped up and support is available for those residents who are isolated and need help and do not have friends or family nearby to assist.

Cllr Nicola Greene, portfolio holder for Covid Resilience and Public Health said, “We urgently need local volunteers to come forward to assist local residents, particularly to help those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, with collecting and dropping off food shopping and essentials for them.

“We had a fantastic response to our volunteer scheme following the last national lockdown earlier on in the year and I am hopeful that with the kind generosity of our local residents we can sign up more willing volunteers to help support the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Residents who would like to offer their time and help are urged to register with the council’s partner, Community Action Network www.can100.org/volunteering-opportunities or email togetherwecan@can100.org or call 01202 466130.

Volunteers will be matched with residents who live local to them and the necessary advice and training will be provided.

The Together We Can helpline is available for anyone in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who does not have a support network and needs help. The helpline is open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. Tel: 0300 123 7052 or visit: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/togetherwecan.