LETTER: I’m so proud of the way we’ve responded to crisis, says council boss

I wanted to thank the hundreds of volunteers who have signed up to support our communities in York during the Covid-19 crisis.

The last few weeks can be characterised in a lot of different ways: unprecedented for all, unsettling for most, devastating for some. Yet I’ve seen the other side of the crisis in our communities where I have been incredibly proud of the work done by volunteers and frontline staff, including council workers, to deliver essential services and provide support.

City of York Council will be working round the clock including with our partners in the NHS and the voluntary sector to make sure individuals, businesses and communities are supported throughout this crisis. We know a lot of people have volunteered and would like to thank the 1,600 who have come forward. If you can help, please contact the council online at york.gov.uk/coronavirus, email volunteering@york.gov.uk or phone 01904 551550.

If you or one of your neighbours needs support and you are not getting it at the moment from the council or the NHS, please contact our Community Support Coordinators at covid19help@york.gov.uk or again phone 01904 551550.

We know this is a very uncertain time for residents, but be assured our teams will be working to make sure core services and support is delivered to all. For now, please stay at home, stay safe and together we’ll save lives.

Cllr Keith Aspden,

City of York Council Leader,

Heath Moor Drive, Fulford, York