KIND-HEARTED residents are pulling together to help support the elderly and people unable to leave their homes to make sure they have everything they need.

A form put on a community Facebook page by Mary Johnson allows people stranded at home to request support, while those who can help can post on the ‘help each other thread’ and download a form to put through a neighbour’s letter box.

Mary posted: “In the spirit of pulling together I hoped we could start a “help each other thread”.

“We’re seeing people posting on Facebook and Twitter about how when they’ve had to self-isolate, their friends and neighbours rallied round to make sure they had everything they needed.

“Can I suggest if you’d be willing to help get groceries, pick up prescriptions, walk dogs, whatever for people in need you post?

“And likewise if you need any help or know of someone who might need help you also post on the page.

“If you are comfortable, please post your location, ie street name only (not a number please!) so we can link up people who are close together.

“If you are not comfortable asking for help on the post just PM me or another admin and we can post on your behalf.

“Attached are also two pictures/flyers you can print off and stick through the door of any elderly/vulnerable neighbours.”

Vic Millard responded: “Happy to help - Whitecroft/Pillowell patch.”

One man posted: “My parents are in their 70s and moved to Lydney a couple of years ago….

“I’m in Reading so not easy to pop over and drop food off, especially if a lock down happens! It would be fantastic to know if someone local could help with the odd pint of milk and bread.”

Another woman agreed to deliver supplies to an elderly man with Parkinsons and his wife who live near the Dean Forest Railway, whose nearest relatives were four hours drive away

A woman added: “Happy to help Bathurst Park Road, have an elderly neighbour and check on him regularly.”

Meanwhile, A new community group has been set up in Chepstow to provide practical help and support to residents during the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak.

The Facebook group ‘Chepstow Covid 19 Helping Group’ was started by Helen Child Villiers with the aim of pulling together a small group of volunteers.

Within six days the page had over 2,300 members and 120 volunteers signed up across Chepstow and on call to help wherever it’s needed.

Helen said: “The response from the community has been overwhelming. To be able to connect people in such a time and support those in need is a privilege and joy.

“I’m so grateful to the amazing teams we’ve set up for all their hard work and commitment.’’

Chris Robinson, who has been told to self-isolate for 12 weeks said: “At the start of our isolation, the uncertainties about how we’d cope got us panicking.

“The Helping Group and its members managed to reassure us and calm me down and have since gone on to provide some very real and practical assistance.

“We recently moved to Garden City and to receive such ‘uncommon kindness’ from people that don’t know us has been extremely humbling. We will be forever grateful.”

The group has been supported by Transition Chepstow who sourced funding from Chepstow Town Council for the telephone numbers and printed high vis jackets.

Over the last seven days most households in and around Chepstow will have received a leaflet with information about the group and the contact details of their local co-ordinator whom they can call if they need help.

For further information please visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/ChepstowHelpers or call Helen Child Villers on 01291 628625.