Bikers team up with Community First to deliver prescriptions to those in need

Community First Delivers began when Solent Advanced Bikers, part of IAM RoadSmart Solent’s 400 motorcyclists, responded to Community First’s call for volunteers.

The first delivery followed a referral from Havant Borough Council, for a man in Leigh Park who could not collect his prescription.

He said: ‘I would like to thank the Community First biker volunteer who brought me my prescription today. I have been struggling to find people to help, and was in desperate need.

‘Your volunteer's help was amazing and was here within an hour of your call. Thank you so much.’

IAM RoadSmart Solent is the branch of the national road safety charity offering advanced motorcycle training in Hampshire, East Dorset, South Wiltshire, and West Sussex.

With the club’s normal activities suspended during lockdown, several members are now on-call for Community First for prescription requests. Other members are helping move blood and plasma between sites for the NHS.

Nigel Tailyour, Solent Advanced Bikers’ chairman, said: ‘We’ve enjoyed working with Community First - thoroughly organised and responsive, and we’re very happy to help.’

Simon Lamont, member and volunteer, added: ‘Communication from the volunteer service staff has been great, and I've been enjoying doing this while the club can't go out like normal.

‘I hope we don't have to keep doing this too long for the sake of the country, but I'm happy to keep doing it while I'm needed.’

Community First is working with councils and community and voluntary sector organisations to ensure vulnerable people are able to access the support they need.

Janet Duggan, business and volunteering engagement manager, said ‘We have been absolutely humbled by the rapid and professional response from Solent Advanced Bikers, who have come forward during this crisis and made a real difference to people’s lives.

‘Often, they get these emergency prescription collections to people in less than an hour. The group’s response to the call to action has made a great impact for local shielded people and their wellbeing.’

For more information, phone the county council’s coronavirus helpline, open seven days per week from 9am to 5pm on 0333 370 4000.

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