Leamington mayor praises the 'wonderful upsurge in the community of people volunteering to help the town’s people'

The mayor of Leamington has paid tribute to all those who are banding together to support and protect the most vulnerable during the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic.

And he has also put in a plea for volunteers to continue this support for local charities after this crisis has passed.

The Government has said that anyone who shows the signs of COVID-19 should self-isolate immediately for seven days.

A number of people with serious underlying conditions have been asked to shield themselves for 12 weeks.

Mayor Bill Gifford said: “This emergency has brought about a swell in local community groups offering shopping runs and support to their neighbours who may be elderly, vulnerable, low on supplies or unable to leave the house.

“I wish to pay tribute to all those in the community who are volunteering and also to our heroic NHS and emergency services at this time of crisis.

“I am aware of the wonderful work that charities and voluntary groups do in the town, day in day out in normal times.

"However, during this difficult time they may be low on funds, unable to raise more in the usual way, and their own workforce may be affected by the virus.

"This wonderful upsurge in the community of people volunteering to help the town’s people is vital.

“Once the pandemic has been and gone, our local charities will still need your help.

"I am urging our new army of volunteers to continue their invaluable support after the crisis, as our charities and community groups will need you more than ever before.

“I hope that this community-led response with volunteers who have given their time to deliver food and medicine or offered support, will realise the enormous benefits to themselves as well

as to those they are helping.

"It would be wonderful if, after these tragic days, we can reimagine a new support network.

"Here in Leamington I celebrate the incredible community spirit that has been shown in the darkest of days and long may it continue into the future.”