The leader of Keswick’s community response to the coronavirus lockdown has spoken of the emotion behind the town’s effort to help those in need while they are stuck at home.
Heather Askew is in charge of more than 100 street wardens who have been delivering essential supplies to vulnerable people or those self-isolating as part of the Keswick Community Emergency Recovery Partnership (KCERPS).
“People are helping each other, which has been really touching to see,” said Heather, KCERPS project manager. “We are in a relatively good place in Keswick. We just need to carry on helping each other and see it out,” she added.
Every road in Keswick is covered by volunteer street wardens operating under 10 zone coordinators organising visits largely to deliver food and medicines. A fresh batch of information leaflets is being delivered to homes this week with contact numbers to make sure everyone is aware of how the service can help them as the official lockdown enters its third week.
“The street warden system continues to work well. Many people in the town already have friends, family and neighbours who can help them but the street wardens are acting as a safety net for those who need help with things like shopping and collecting prescriptions,” Heather added.
She praised the work being carried out Cumbria County Council, saying: “The response from staff there has been superb. It is really good how they are working with all the different community groups. I have been really impressed with that. Everybody is desperate to be helpful to each other which is wonderful to see.”
KCERP also has volunteers waiting to chat with people, old or young, who want some company at a difficult time. For more information email [email protected]
