A community which has been set up through Facebook to help the residents of Fareham and Gosport has put out a plea for letters and cards to cheer up vulnerable people staying at home. Fareham and Gosport Coronavirus Volunteers was set up by Victoria Rowe-Shawyer and her partner John, who were only expecting a handful of people to join - but membership has soared to more than 1,500 residents. Victoria, 41, said: ‘We just wanted to be able to put a network in place so when some of the already existing charities are struggling, we will have a network to support them. ‘We have had a message from someone who said just knowing there’s someone out there who can help makes her feel better.’ Through the group, people can request and offer services such as grocery deliveries and medication collection, with the latest development being the letter service. Initially focusing on older residents in care homes, the idea is to write a one-way letter, note or card designed to lift the spirits of the receiver, who may be isolated or lonely. Guidance for contributors includes not including your own address and being considerate of what personal information you include, print the wording rather than using joined-up handwriting and don’t write too small. Letters will be briefly checked before being passed on, to make sure there is no offensive content, so they should be left unsealed if possible. SEE ALSO: Portsmouth communities work together to help neighbours during Covid-19 self-isolation Cards and letters marked with ‘FAO Wendy Singfield’ on the envelope in small writing can be dropped off at The Book Shop in Lee-on-the-Solent High Street, Matthew’s Greengrocer in Forton Road, Gosport, Clean Heels in Stubbington’s Crofton Retail Centre or The Garden Shed Cafe in West Street, Fareham. Health and wellbeing coordinator Victoria said: ‘We need to get the community back to the olden days when people did know their neighbours. ‘As a community we just all need to be there for each other, think of people who are potentially not going to have any contact with anybody for a while. We can do something to brighten their day.’ For more information, or to join the group, visit the Facebook page at Fareham and Gosport Coronavirus Volunteers. Coronavirus: the facts What is coronavirus? COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus. What caused coronavirus? The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals. How is it spread? As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long. What are the symptoms? The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell. What precautions can be taken? Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean. Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS
