AN ARMY of volunteers and community groups have joined the Royal Borough’s hub – providing vital support to vulnerable residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

So far, 48 community groups and nearly 500 volunteers have registered to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council’s (RBWM) community hub, which was set up in March, providing a space for both residents and councillors to volunteer or for those in need to request help during this unprecedented time.

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The hub covers the whole area and offers a wide range of support to vulnerable people and elderly such as grocery shopping, prescription delivery, social support via telephone and more.

Eight hundred phone calls were made in just nine working days at the beginning of April by volunteers to vulnerable residents on the shielded list – ensuring they had the support they need while in isolation for 12 weeks.

Councillor Samantha Rayner, lead member for resident and leisure services, HR, IT, legal, performance management and Windsor, said: “In these unprecedented times we have seen unwavering kindness and willingness to help in so many of our residents and staff.

“The Community Hub has served its purpose perfectly and allowed groups to find volunteers and those in need to find the support available to them.

“It’s very touching in these difficult times that we are all pulling together as a strong community that cares and supports one another.

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“On behalf of the Royal Borough, thank you to each and every person who has volunteered through a community group, staff who have made calls to hundreds of residents and anyone who has gone out of their way to make someone’s life easier during these difficult times.”

RBWM is still looking for more volunteers and community groups to register at the hub. If you still want to volunteer or would like to request support, you can also do so at https://www3.rbwm.gov.uk/communityresponse.