Coronavirus: Mum and daughter from Emsworth volunteer to help community in self-isolation through Facebook and helpful booklet

Liberty Rose, 24, started her Community Through Covid-19 Facebook group on March 16 and it already has more than 200 members.

Liberty, who works as a sales and marketing assistant manager at Langstone Quays on Hayling Island, said: ‘One of the lovely things I was seeing online was lots of people offering their services. But they were just getting lost.

‘I wanted to centralise it so people could come to one place if they needed help.

‘Often neighbours may not have that much contact with each other but now people are really coming together.’

While she was getting a good response online, her mother Sarah Rose decided to compile an 11-page booklet for those in need.

It includes a list of how they can offer their services, useful telephone numbers of food delivery companies and pharmacies, and precautions to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Mum Sarah, 49, said: ‘Around four years ago, I was seriously ill in intensive care after having a major heart operation that went wrong. I was in hospital for about a month.

‘I know first-hand how hard it is to have to open up and ask other people for help.’

The community guide has been delivered to Sarah’s neighbours and she says her phone has been ringing off the hook with people either offering to volunteer or asking for help.

‘I am self-isolating at the moment but that doesn’t stop me from making phone calls and talking to different services,’ she adds.

Both Liberty and Sarah have been astounded by the community spirit during these uncertain times.

Sarah said: ‘We can make such a difference here.

‘This past year has been involved so much upheaval for people and the Dunkirk spirit has really come through. People have become so stoic and really want to do their bit.

‘The community spirit is incredible and we’re here to help,’ adds Liberty.

To contact Liberty about one of the booklets, which can be used as templates for other areas, email her at [email protected].