Severnside Volunteers

Mark Badger and Dickie Head have set up the most incredible community response to the Covid-19 situation.
As soon as the government put restrictions in place Mark and Dickie recognised the potential problems this would have for older and vulnerable people in the community and acted swiftly. A village plea for volunteers was put out on social media, followed by an outdoor, socially distance meeting explaining how it would work.
What followed has been an incredible support to many, many people who are unable to leave their homes. Leaflets were distributed to every home in the village with what support was available and numbers to call. Donations from the public and supermarkets have kept a food bank supplied and distributed, prescriptions have been collected and delivered, food shops carried out and home-cooked meals taken to those who need them. Regular phone calls have been made to every person identified as vulnerable and the most fantastic thing, is that beyond all the practical help given, the village has become a family. People who are alone have made new connections, people have felt cared for by their village and volunteers have become part of a team.
The impact Mark and Dickie’s work has had on the village will last far beyond the social restrictions themselves.