Wokingham Borough Community Response (WBCR) are continuing their vital work to support residents across the borough, adapting to the changing situation during this crisis.
The WBCR is a one-stop shop if you need help during this crisis and don’t have friends, family or trusted neighbours who can help. Over the last few months, residents have received help in the form of food and other essential supplies, prescription pick ups and a friendly chat for the lonely.
Citizens Advice Wokingham continue as the “front door” for people across the borough to access support from local charities, but a few things are changing.
The supermarkets have recently come up with some new ways of getting shopping to their customers, so people are able to access a wider range of groceries. Get in touch with the WBCR for help to find the best way for you. If none of the new ways work for you, food parcels will still be available for those who need them.
The community distribution hub will be relocating in mid-June, in order to free up the current location for when the school reopens.
Wokingham Borough Council is continuing to organise the umbrella effort of the community response and council staff will continue to be embedded within the voluntary organisations for additional support as long as they are needed.
Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said, “The Wokingham Borough Community Response has been vital to our residents during this crisis, and we will make sure it stays in place for as long as it is needed. As the government restrictions gradually ease, we know that many people will worry that support could disappear just when they need it the most. Rest assured, the community response will continue to provide support while our residents need it.”
The sense of community throughout this crisis has shown how important it is for people to come together and help others. Hundreds of volunteers signed up to help at the start of the pandemic. Many of them will now be going back to work or have other obligations that mean they may not be able to volunteer as much time. Local voluntary organisations are putting out the call for new volunteers. If you’d like to get involved, take a look at The Volunteer Centre’s website at www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk.
If you need support, contact Citizens Advice Wokingham by ringing 0300 330 1189, emailing admin@citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk, or visiting their website atwww.citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk/coronavirus.
You can also find out more about what the Wokingham Borough Community Response have been doing on our latest video, by visiting www.youtube.com and searching Wokingham Borough Community Response – Covid-19.
