Six weeks ago, four Knaresborough women met for the first time to discuss what might happen if there was a coronavirus outbreak in the UK. 

Now, they are coordinating 150 volunteers via the Knaresborough Coronavirus Support group on Facebook and preparing to do even more over the coming weeks. 

Maggie Walker, Natalie Whitwham, Shona Read Lang and Sarah Chisem first met up as the impact on other countries was becoming more clear. Their foresight meant they were well prepared when the restrictions came in and people began looking for help on the Facebook group. 

“We were trying to make sure people had the evidence-based information because we didn’t want to scaremonger,” said Sarah. “There were a lot of things going around and we wanted to keep away from that and have a really clear, concise message that we can help you.” 

The group on Facebook began to grow, as did the team of organisers. Helen Fearne and June Graham joined the original quartet, while Knaresborough Connectors, the town’s Chamber of Trade and the Lions Club all offered practical support. 

Now, with 150 volunteers signed up to help, the group is answering all kinds of needs. It has a virtual map, enabling the core team to match requests for help with those able to assist in the surrounding area. 

As well as practical support such as shopping and collecting prescriptions, some isolated people have simply wanted a friendly conversation over the phone.  

“Last week, we did a big leaflet drop which made people more aware of the help available,” said Sarah. “Initially, we were going on the Facebook page, but a lot of our older community members don’t have access and don’t want to use it.” 

It is not only elderly people who need help: there are vulnerable adults in their 20s and 30s, and even some families who have had to self-isolate from the outset, who have called for assistance. 

New challenges

For the core team of organisers, the demands of ensuring all needs are met can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially as they juggle their own work and family lives. Last week, they took time out for a virtual lunch together to ensure they were taking care of themselves too. 

“What has been great is, as a group, if someone is struggling, someone else has taken the reins that day,” said Sarah. “It was very full-on for the first two weeks, trying to get everything in place.”