More volunteers needed to support Gosport residents as community project moves forward

Gosport Voluntary Action has been helping residents since lockdown began in March, in partnership with Gosport Borough Council, and the group needs more support now a lot of the helpers have begun to return to work.

Although government support reduces from August 1, the Community Response Project will continue to help residents, with support from the National Lottery Community Fund and supporter donations.

The team of dedicated volunteers have been undertaking shopping, prescription deliveries and regular friendly phone calls, and so far more than 6,400 tasks have been completed for 513 households.

This project allows residents to keep their independence as much as possible, and have their chosen shopping and prescription delivered to them when needed, and before crisis point.

Danielle Anthony is a support volunteer who has been paired with Michaela Hampshire to help her with shopping, and has helped cater for Michaela’s specific dietary requirements.

Michaela said how fantastic Danielle has been in giving guidance through the whole process and making her feel at ease when she was nervous or anxious about using the service.

Michaela also added it was really good to have a young volunteer who she felt she can relate to and who asks how she is doing mentally and not just about shopping, as that goes a long way.

Volunteering roles are flexible and those supporting the service have found the experience to be heartwarming and rewarding.

Volunteer Jagjeet Singh said: ‘Helping the community, and seeing people’s faces as they open the door and enjoying a chat as I drop off shopping makes it all worthwhile and I’m pleased to be able to help.’

Sue Geary has found it a positive and enjoyable thing to do.

She said: ‘I particularly enjoy the interaction with people on their doorstep and the look on people’s faces when they open the door and see me and a smile erupts on their faces. They are pleased to see me and these moments brighten my day as well.’

To get involved, contact volunteer coordinator Roy Johnson on [email protected] or phone 07570 950898.

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