A COMMUNITY support Facebook page launched on Saturday to offer a helping hand to vulnerable and elderly people amassed 1,100 members in just 24 hours.
The page was started Georgia Oakes after she visited her nan.
“When she was with me last week it became apparent how scary it was for her and older people in general so I thought about what I could do to help.
“I put a post up on the Nextdoor app but then decided I needed to reach more people so created the Facebook page.”
Within hours people were pledging offers of help – from driving people to appointments and to collect prescriptions, collecting and delivering shopping, dog-walking and more.
Georgia added: “I was absolutely amazed there were so many people out there who were willing to help.
“There has been so much negative things on Facebook about the virus and panic-buying so it was good to see it, in this instance, being used for good.”
Among those offering help was Tammy Lamare who printed leaflets about the group for free.
Bromsgrove Library, the Co-ops in Charford, Catshill and Aston Fields, Vicky’s Convenience Store in Lickey and Ascotts in Aston Fields.
They are now being put in different areas of the district, letting people know the scheme and highlighting it to those who need the support.
“Social media was great to get the help pledged but there are a lot of older and vulnerable people who aren’t on it so we needed another way to get the message out.”
Also on the Facebook page is form people can fill in if they need help or want to offer support.
Visit the Bromsgrove Community Support Facebook Page for more information.
People who do not have internet access can call the freephone number 0800 086 2560 or 01527 306490 to ask for help and support.
It will be open from 8am to 8pm.
Georgia thanked Jeremy Strong for setting it up.
This week’s Standard Podcast
Georgia Oakes joined us on this week’s podcast to tell us more about the group, how people can volunteer their help and how people can get the support they need. Click below to listen on YouTube –
It is also available on Podbean – https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-8j4dz-d6a421
