Date issued: 26 March 2020
Colchester Borough Council (CBC) and local strategic partners continue to work together as One Colchester, to help and support the most vulnerable people in Colchester during the COVID-19 outbreak.
One Colchester partners are mobilising practical support for the most vulnerable residents in Colchester. This work includes delivery of food, toiletries and medicine parcels direct to people’s doors, befriending phone calls to advise, inform and a provide a friendly voice, alongside fast-tracking volunteer applications and coordinating the roles in the community.
Pam Donnelly, Chair of the One Colchester Partnership, said: “We are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring our most vulnerable residents are supported and kept as safe and well as possible in these difficult times.
“We have already seen a wide range of grassroots support instigated in the wake of the coronavirus and it’s fantastic to see all the offers of community support that has come forward. The council’s Community Response Team is working well to nurture this goodwill and ensure it is fully supported.”
The Partnership is also concentrating on people’s wellbeing with Colchester Arts Centre screening a poem a day on its social media channels and a dial-a-poem service; The Mercury are working towards creating online workshops and storytelling sessions and Firstsite is developing an artist designed activity pack, which will be launched soon.
Pam Donnelly added: “All One Colchester partners are working quickly to mobilise in a way that protects residents from both the effects of the virus, and from the more negative effects of the necessary social distancing that are being implemented to limit the spread of the disease.”
There is continued support for the business community via CBC’s Digital Business Portal, containing advice and information shared from the Government at colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus/businesses
Organisations or groups who need advice or support are encouraged to contact the Communities Response team by emailing communities@colchester.gov.uk
If you need volunteer help or would like to volunteer, please email information@community360.org.uk or call 012016 505250.
The council, voluntary sector, police, health, education and the business community along with many others make up the One Colchester partnership and are committed to close collaboration in support of our communities.
Keep up to date with the latest news at www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus
Stay at Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives
Page last reviewed: 26 March 2020