A HUGE volunteer effort has mobilised in Haslemere and surrounding villages in recent weeks, with various neighbourly groups now working together to support those most impacted by the coronavirus lockdown.

Hundreds of volunteers, supported by Haslemere Town Council, councillors, health workers and other local groups, organisations and skilled individuals, are working flat out to help the vulnerable, those who need food and medicines, or are self-isolating alone.

Here we profile just two of these groups of big-hearted individuals fulfilling this essential service – Haslemere Help and the Haslemere Covid 19 Support Team (pictured).

The online support group Haslemere Help has more than 300 volunteers assisting those in the local area who are self-isolating or vulnerable.

Collaborating with Surrey county councillor Nikki Barton, town council staff, and with mayor John Robini, they are manning phones, helping with tasks such as shopping for provisions, and have supported about 200 local residents.

Narn, a founding volunteer, said: “I am full of admiration for those who have volunteered, and it is still overwhelming to see the kindness and consideration from those contributing voluntarily.

“We have had hundreds of phone calls to our helpline, hundreds of Facebook messages and innumerable emails all needing help with prescriptions, shopping or to have a friendly chat.

“Our volunteers have also picked up wheelchairs, delivered flowers, collected plastic surgical boots and delivered hearing-aid batteries.”

The team also regularly meet with Citizens Advice Bureau, Voluntary Action South West Surrey, churches and numerous local groups, and also offer a prescription pick-up and delivery service, including a special collaboration with the Haslemere Health Centre.

Haslemere self-isolating resident Miles Weston said: “This is what community-minded, unnamed people in Haslemere are doing for their neighbours.

“We know them, we love them for what they are doing and we admire them for not being on the lookout for public recognition.

They are not bragging – they are just doing it for Haslemere.”

Those who need help can call Haslemere Help on 07873 383954, or by email to [email protected] and through their dedicated Facebook page www.facebook.com/haslemerehelp

And in tandem with Haslemere Help volunteers, the Haslemere Covid 19 Support Team are also collecting shopping and prescriptions, posting letters and dog walking.

Spokesman Simon Deer said the number of residents needing help is increasing daily – but the service is coping well.

He added: “There are things that have cheered us up, too. Several customers have asked us to add to their shopping, so they can make donations at the food bank collecting points through us, and so many have such kind words to say when they see their groceries or medication.”

As well as picking up shopping and prescriptions, joint organiser Ged Hall says they make sure they call every resident on their list at least once a week for a chat.

He said “Many residents live alone and rarely get to interact with other people. It is incredible how a natter can lift someone’s spirits in these very hard times.”

They’ve also got a stock of free hearing-aid batteries – all three main types – which they can deliver in Haslemere, Hindhead and Beacon Hill.

If you want to volunteer to help, or if you need some help or just a chat, contact the team on 01428 645721 and for more information visit www.haslemeretoday.com/contact-us