ANOTHER town has joined the mission to support residents through the coronavirus pandemic.

Aspatria are in the process of setting up a support group to help those who are elderly, vulnerable or self-isolating but in need of help.

The group is being set up by the Rainbow Room, Aspatria.

The aim of this programme is to ensure correct procedures are carried out when a person who is self-isolating requests assistance with their essential shopping.

It is emphasised that this service is for essential items only, not a full weekly shop.

Working in partnership with the NHS, Aspatria dream scheme, members of the town council , Aspatria district charity shop and Cumbria County County Council, the group are hoping to help as many members of the town as possible.

Linda Hunter, community development worker in Aspatria Dream Scheme, explained: “We have put a request out for volunteers in certain areas, we’ve mapped out the town and asked for four volunteers in each area so that we can respond to needs from pensioners, those who are physically vulnerable, self-isolate or those in crisis.

“We are doing shopping for people and topping up electric or gas cards if they run out.

“We’ve also applied for funding from the community foundation.”

The group have been given a donation from the charity shop to help with the setting up of the group.

The service will be co-ordinated by telephone and the internet and anyone who phones the county council hotline will be referred to the group.

“We aren’t picking up and delivering medication as that system is already in place,” continued Linda.

“It’s for those who have no family, who do not come into contact with anyone but need help.

“We will also have a telephone support system because some of our town councillors are self-isolating but are still offering to help if people need someone to talk to or need some advice.”

The group are currently trying to get the group off the ground and are making leaflets to put through people’s doors in their area.

Linda thinks it’s really important to set up this group.

She added: “For us we are maybe a little bit behind some towns like Cockermouth and Keswick because they’ve already been through crisis with the floods so they’ve already got a team ready who are a community support.

“In Aspatria we haven’t done this before that I’m aware of.

“The only crisis I can remember is foot and mouth and that didn’t stop people going out so I think it’s really important. But people in this town love to help each other.

“I know the town have big hearts so most people are helping and we don’t want anyone slipping through the net.”

For anyone wanting to help call 07470024756.