VOLUNTEERS in Kirkbymoorside are providing a vital lifeline during the current coronavirus crisis.

The Kirkbymoorside Community Group, part of the Ryedale Covid-19 Help Network, was one of the first to respond when the call went out asking for volunteers, the town responded.

Marjorie Coughlan and her husband, Kirkbymoorside town councillor Joe, are two of the group’s volunteers.

She said: “I felt I couldn’t just sit and do nothing, and as a scouter, this is a positive way I can contribute in my community.

“It’s not just a one-way process, either, I have ‘met’ new people in Kirkbymoorside with interesting lives and stories, and I’m really looking forward to us all being able to get together over a cup of coffee or maybe something stronger, when all this is over.”

The group has about 30 members from all age groups and backgrounds, who offer assistance with shopping, prescription collections, postal runs and general support, with phone calls to anyone feeling the strain of the current situation.

Group co-ordinator Charlotte Frost is the first point of contact for any request for help and liaises with the other nearby groups.

She said: “Not all calls are about shopping; sometimes the issue needs immediate action. Recently, the team responded to a plea for an emergency food parcel for someone left with nothing to eat by a technical error in DWP’s systems and within an hour our volunteers had made up a parcel to keep them going.

“It’s been an uplifting experience to be able to help the community. From getting nappies to new mums to food essentials for older residents, it’s been wonderful to feel useful through these difficult times.

“We don’t ask for anything in return but the gratitude we receive is humbling. One resident even gave me some daffodils from his garden, which really made my day.”

“In Kirkbymoorside we have tragically lost three residents to Covid-19, but the community continues to rally round and with the invaluable support of our wonderful local shops, we have continued deliveries and are able to supply most of the items requested.”

To contact the Kirkbymoorside Community Group, phone Charlotte on 07387 186343.