An army of volunteers who swung into action in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis have responded to more than 12,000 requests to help those isolated in their homes.

In March, calls were made for volunteers to help run three new community hubs across Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh, which were designed to provide support to those in need during the pandemic.

A total of 632 people answered that call and since then 7,202 welfare checks have been made and 1,005 loads of shopping have been delivered to the towns' most vulnerable.

In addition, the volunteers have cooked 3,555 hot meals, picked up 724 prescriptions and walked 27 dogs.

Since the launch of the emergency hotlines at the three hubs - where people can call through with requests - it has received 656 calls and colleagues have responded to 942 emails.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) staff are assisting the volunteers and the authority has also provided funding.

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, FHDC's cabinet member for communities said: "The district has really risen to this challenge and the response has been amazing.

"I’ve been closely involved with this social response and I’ve been able to witness first-hand the dedication and passion that has gone into providing these services.

"All the partner organisations, council staff and volunteers involved in this deserve recognition for the fantastic job they are doing in tough circumstances.

"I particularly want to thank the staff at the three hubs and the volunteers giving up their time and effort to help support vulnerable people in the district.

"The positive feedback we’ve had just goes to show that the residents receiving these services are so appreciative and that these hubs are really making a difference.”

The services are available to anyone of any age who is struggling at this time, including with other concerns such as financial.

In Romney Marsh alone, more than 1,000 hot meals have been made for people, while over 70 baskets of shopping and prescriptions have been delivered.

And two teenagers, Emma and Lauryn Roper, spread Easter cheer and filled cones with sweets to be delivered along with hot meals.

Jon Wilson, from the Romney Marsh hub, said: "The response from the Romney Marsh community has been overwhelming and we were able to ensure that the hub was up and running as quickly as possible in order to get this vital help to people who are most in need.

"Of course, it’s not been without its challenges; we needed to make sure that the correct processes and paperwork were completed, not to mention the operational logistics of ensuring that our volunteers are safe - running a kitchen on this scale and having to remain 6ft apart at all times is no mean feat.

“Government indications are that we will remain in a lockdown situation for some time and so it is even more important that we do all we can for residents and the wider community.

"We aim to keep people updated, to keep in contact and let them know that we are here for them, as well as offering practical help through our network of volunteers.

"Thanks must also go to local shops and businesses who have gone out of the way to assist. It really is a community-wide effort.”

The three hubs are open seven days a week.

• Hythe Community Support Hub, run by AGE UK, can be contacted at covid-19@ageukhl.org.uk or 01303 269602

• Folkestone Community Support Hu, run by Three Hills Sports Centre and supported by Citizens Advice and Kent Coast Volunteering, can be contacted on covid-19@3hsp.co.uk or 01303 316186

• Romney Marsh Community Support Hub, run by Romney Marsh Day Centre, can be contacted on Covid-19@rmdc.org.uk or 01797 208590

Earlier this month, volunteers from Folkestone's hub delivered a special birthday treat for a woman celebrating her birthday alone.

See the video here.

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