THE community of Burley-in-Wharfedale has organised a co-ordinated response to the coronavirus in order to help the most vulnerable in society.

Councillor Mike Wild, Chairman of Burley-in-Wharfedale Parish Council said: “We are in unprecedented times, with the situation changing on a near-hourly basis as we assess the implications of advice coming from the many and various government bodies. “However, the Parish Council is well placed to support residents by acting as a conduit of information: and, in particular, connecting people who have needs with people who can offer help.

“We hope that those who are fit and well and are not in one of the government’s “at risk” groups will come forward and volunteer to help

“The Parish Council together with all the churches in the village and Love Burley are looking into ways of offering support to vulnerable older people in the community.

“Collectively each organisation has its own trusted relationships with many of our most vulnerable residents, and together we can offer mutual support and co-ordinated assistance.”

Action taking place now includes a leaflet drop to show residents quick and easy ways to offer support to neighbours in need.

It contains a tear off slip which neighbours could complete with the offers of support and pass to more vulnerable members of the community.

Such support could be anything from picking up shopping, to walking the dog to a friendly phone call.

The location for donations to the food bank in the village is changing from the library to the Co-op in the face of public buildings closing. As people on zero hours contracts find themselves out of work, they will struggle financially and for food. Food banks then become a major lifeline. Donations at the Co-op during this difficult time they will be gratefully received.

Burley Community Action Response has been set up to help coordinate support for vulnerable neighbours - a link to the group is - www.facebook.com/groups/3622800741128066.

The scheme has been set up by the Love Burley Community Action Group that aims to support the vulnerable members of the village impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

People needing support can post their requests and volunteers can respond.

The Group is currently hoping to start up a buddy scheme to match a couple of seniors with a volunteer. The volunteer would arrange for shopping to be delivered when needed and offer a listening ear on the phone (to avoid risk of transferring germs).

If you would like to volunteer as a buddy, either contact a Parish Councillor or use the Facebook link above to share your contact details and any relevant information.