WITH NEWS of the first of the tens of thousands of food boxes being despatched to people at highest risk from coronavirus, it is now clear the mobilisation of the food sector, local government, emergency services and voluntary groups will be the largest since the Second World War.

And with more than 750,000 people answering the call for NHS volunteers, we know there is no shortage of goodwill and endeavour to help fellow citizens in any way possible.

We can be proud the great civic heart of British people is once again shining through difficult times.

Co-ordinating this scale of support across the country is a giant task – working at speed with the support of military strategic planners – but delivering it on ground will in the end come down to individuals who are putting the needs of others before their own. And we can all make a difference to that effort.

It has been estimated that nationally there are 2.5 million people who have already joined voluntary community groups.

Our own area has burst into life with numerous support networks in parishes across East Hampshire. Some work through social media, others by local church and community groups.

And then there are, of course, the many, many neighbours looking out for each other, with personal support and help. The response has been phenomenal.

Hampshire County Council has launched a new Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline – Hantshelp4vulnerable – to provide a central point of contact for information and advice as well as practical support to residents who do not have trusted friends, family and neighbours they can ask for support.

Individuals will be directed to a specialist support team, or one of several district-based Local Response Centres, who will bring together professionals and local volunteers to provide help, such as with access to food and basic household supplies, as well as social contact for those at risk of loneliness.

Local charity Community First continues to be an important link in the chain, working with the county council and liaising with other local groups, offering information and guidance to them; and identifying those in need and how best to support them.

You can find contact details for these services and many other local networks – as well as information on volunteering – on the website at www.damianhinds.com, under ‘Coronavirus’.

The world is fighting the most extraordinary battle with coronavirus, but unlike many global events we observe from afar, we know every single individual effort we make to stay home and avoid unnecessary contact with others will save lives.

That empowers us all in a way we may never have felt before.