Volunteer scheme is launched in Hinckley
Centre is offering support to the elderly and vulnerable in borough
A COMMUNITY centre in Hinckley has launched a volunteer scheme to help people affected by coronavirus.
Westfield Community Centre has joined the county and borough council’s support for elderly and vulnerable people isolating at home.
The community centre has also been providing childcare services for key workers, building on its works helping socially isolated people for over 40 years.
It provides lunch clubs, mental health support and recreational activities for the elderly.
Dave Roberts, head of the centre, said: “Very quickly we are having to repurpose and reshape our provision and take the support to people at home.
“With adequate PPE and sufficient social distancing, we are hoping to continue providing some centre based support groups.
“We are using grant aid provided by Leicestershire County Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to keep the community centre’s doors open at this time of crisis.”
The scheme is supported by Hinckley Stroke Club, SNIPS and several community-based groups and volunteers.
Some workers at the centre are first aid trained and the group has purchased a mobile defibrator.
Hinckley motorcycle training scheme is based at the community centre and has made its bikes and instructors available for the project.
Chief instructor Nigel Thornber said “We are happy to contribute to the health and wellbeing of people in our community at this difficult time and make good use of our bikes and instructors.”
The scheme provides other services for elderly and vulnerable people who are isolating, including check-up calls, shopping, fetching prescriptions and transport to and from medical appointments.
If you need help or want to volunteer, call Hinckley 637516 or email dave.roberts@westfieldcc.org.uk.