Community hub draws tremendous response from Notts volunteers and groups wanting to help in coronavirus pandemic

Volunteer Morag Turner at work in the Lowtown Street food bank, Worksop, is indicative of how kind-hearted people help others in times of crisis.

The initiative will signpost people to community groups and businesses that can assist them with shopping or collecting medication.

There are a number of volunteer groups offering help to those self-isolating at home.

Community groups, faith groups, charities, parish or town councils who are not listed yet can add their details. Email: [email protected] including 'Volunteering' in the subject line, or call 0300 500 8080, and be ready to provide the following information:

* Your name/organisation

* Contact details - postal, telephone and email address

* Have you been DBS checked?

* Area of Nottinghamshire in which you are able to provide support

* What support you can offer.

On its website, the council says that it has had a tremendous response from groups and volunteers so far.

Anthony May, chief executive at the county council, said: "Nottinghamshire County Council, like all councils, has been working closely with partners to get the hub ready. We’re using our Local Resilience Forum's existing pandemic flu emergency plan, which is being adapted to best meet this current situation.

“We are working on the finer details, but initially we would encourage vulnerable people to use their normal support mechanisms, such as family, friends and neighbours who can run errands and leave supplies on the doorstep. The community hub is aimed at those who do not have this type of support.

To find out which groups can offer assistance in the Bassetlaw District Council area, go to:https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/coronavirus/nottinghamshire-community-support-and-volunteering-hub

Mr May added: "We hope to be able to start helping vulnerable residents within days of getting their details and assessing who is most in need."

* The county council urges self-isolating residents to be careful with rubbish. Used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths should be put in a disposable bag, tied securely and placed in another bag, which should be secured and kept separate from other waste. This rubbish should be set aside for 72 hours before being put in a bin outside.