Coronavirus: The amazing community spirit around Scarborough as individuals and groups offer help with shopping and deliveries

Despite uncertainty and warnings about social distancing, people across the area have been rushing to offer their help to total strangers.

Online groups set up by residents to match those in need with people wanting to give their support have been flooded with requests from residents desperate to know what they can do.

There have been countless offers to fetch shopping, provide meals, collect prescriptions, and more.

Businesses have also been trying to help, introducing delivery services to help those self-isolating.

Lily Potter, who founded Facebook group Coronavirus Isolation Support in Scarborough UK (and surrounding areas) with her friend Caroline Dean, said: “It is a scary time but to see people instantly jump at the chance to help total strangers is so heartwarming.”

The pair set up the group after discussing at the school gates how people wanted to help but did not know how, and how people may not know who to ask for assistance.

Within 24 hours of launching the page, they had 1,000 members and just a couple of days later, the figure had doubled.

“The altruism is incredible,” she said.

One of the many volunteering their services is Shanice Newman, who works at South Cliff Post Office on Filey Road. She has offered pensioners help with postal needs, pensions, bills, postage, forms and shopping so they do not have to risk a crowded place.

“They don’t have to leave home. They can ring me or I will come to them,” she said.

“I would rather they didn’t come out, not if they’re going to be vulnerable to the virus.”

Carol and Steve Green, of fish and chip shops Carol’s Plaice on Columbus Ravine and Steve’s Plaice on High Street in Eastfield, are among those extending their delivery services to reach out to those who can not leave home.

“We hope this will help our local community, especially the people that are self isolating and the elderly,” said Carol.

Meanwhile, Tim Kirkup. Chairman of Scarborough Dementia Action Alliance, has set up an online support group for sufferers and their carers, and is looking to work with other organisations to support the elderly.

Age UK Scarborough and District is establishing a data base of volunteers who would be willing to help over Scarborough and Ryedale, with shopping and telephone calls to combat isolation. Anyone interested can email [email protected].

Online support groups include:

Coronovirus Isolation Support in Scarborough UK (and surrounding areas)

Scarborough Covid-19 mutual aid

How can I help, Scarborough U.K.

Stronger Together WHITBY DISTRICT during COVID-19

Ryedale Covid19 Help Network