SINCE the very beginning of lockdown, a small army of volunteers from across Northwich has rallied round to help people in need.

And while restriction measures are easing and life is slowly returning to normal, the helpers from the Northwich Isolation Support group show no sign of giving up on their mission.

The support group was set up by volunteers from the existing community projects Northwich in Need, Cheshire Without Abuse, Save a Life Cheshire, and Northwich Baby Bank.

Over the past 14 weeks group members have co-ordinated everything from essential grocery and medicine deliveries, to providing a friendly voice at the end of the phone for people struggling with loneliness or their mental health.

As well as offering essential practical support, such as donating food and making financial contributions, members have helped to lift spirits with online quizzes, DJ sets and concerts, wellbeing classes, thank you packages for carers, and VE Day picnic parcels.

While much of the activity is online, co-ordinator Daniel Pendlebury says the group became aware early on that not everyone in the community has access to a computer or uses social media, which is why they set up a community phone line that will remain manned post-lockdown.

He said: “As we launched as a group online we monitored the need of the community and looked at how we could help and support others and what would assist people in coping during this time.

“As a result, Cheshire Without Abuse secured us a community phone line. Many elderly residents have used the phone line to request assistance and support, from asking for prescription pickups to just having a chat to boost their mental health and wellbeing.”

Anyone still needing support or to self-isolate can contact the group by visiting northwichisolationgroup.co.uk, or calling 01606 800820.

Daniel added: “This has been a challenging time for everyone and we have been learning as we go but it has been a huge success. So much has been carried out as a community to support our neighbours and friends – it really has been a phenomenal journey which is far from over.

“A huge thank you goes to everyone involved, you are all community heroes, every last one of you.”