The Parish Council is keen to see a programme of support available to people in the community over this difficult time, during which Coronavirus is spreading and causing people to self-isolate and change their routines in a way that may be disruptive to them and others.
We are a small community and we have in our midst some people who will find this situation particularly difficult. They may feel much lonelier than they would normally since they will not be able to get out to meet friends in the same way. Additionally, some will have difficulty in obtaining food and household supplies.
We know the community shop is already planning how it can best support local people and you can find an outline of this below.
The Parish Council would like to support the community shop by providing an extended shopping delivery service to those who cannot undertake this themselves and whose family, friends and neighbours cannot assist. They would also like to have in place a telephone service that sees those who are alone and concerned about their health the opportunity to talk over the telephone with someone local on a regular basis.
In order to provide these services we need a number of volunteers to deliver shopping, to take shopping orders and to keep in touch with people who are alone and in need of a chat. We also need volunteers to coordinate these initiatives. We don`t want the shop to find they cannot cope with the extra responsibility this might bring so we would ask that individuals who are interested in volunteering for any of these tasks make contact with Deb Deynem, Shop Manager (Tel: 01829 759023, email: amcshop@btconnect.com) or Jane Colville (Tel: 01829 752607, email: janecolville1@gmail.com)
We are also looking for local organisations who might be able to assist over this period to put themselves forward and outline what they might be able to offer should the occasion arise.
Finally, we do need to know the names and contact details of those who are likely to need such support. For example, people on their own or carers for someone else who may not be able to provide the care because they are self-isolating.
If you are in that position or you know of anyone who might be in that position (whose family and friends would be unable to provide much help and who would be lonely and miserable if they had to remain at home), please let us know.
Community Shop Coronavirus Contingency Planning Update
Coronavirus – A message to our Valued Customers
As the threat of Coronavirus increases, we want to let you know what we are doing to continue to support our customers.
We want to reassure you all that we are taking the developing situation regarding this virus seriously and are currently maintaining measures to ensure the highest level of hygiene at the Community Shop.
We are also monitoring the continuity of supply of products from our suppliers. We will do all that we can to maintain stock levels so that all customers, particularly those who cannot easily travel further than the village, are adequately provided for.
How you can help:
- Follow the hygiene guidelines, published by the NHS, particularly in relation to hand washing and appropriate actions to contain coughs and sneezes
- If you feel poorly, please do not come to the shop; if you are in need and have no means of getting essentials, please phone the shop during opening hours and we will arrange for you to go on our list for delivery
- Remember that this shop serves the whole community – please do not stockpile from us
For further information, please contact the shop:
- If you are healthy, pop in and speak to a member of staff
- Email us at amcshop@btconnect.com
- Telephone us on 01829 759023
We would like to acknowledge the flexibility of our selfless volunteers, who will be probably doing even more than they normally do, to ensure that the shop remains a welcoming and super clean environment, for you.