THE Mayor of Crediton has praised those in the Crediton community who are caring for vulnerable neighbours, observing social distancing and helping others in what he describes as "these extremely testing times".

As well as extending thanks, Cllr Frank Letch MBE, issued the advice: "Stay safe, exercise close to home and stay at home except for essential shopping! This is how we shall defeat this virus!"

In his letter to the people of Crediton, Cllr Letch writes: "I am proud to be Mayor of a town where, in these extremely testing times, people look out for their vulnerable neighbours, where most people observe the social distancing which is so hard during this lovely weather.

"I am also very proud to be the Chairman of a Town Council whose staff members have, over the past two weeks gathered together some 20 volunteers on a database and checked DBS status.

"They have contacted a number of local community groups who can help. They have kept councillors up to speed so that planning and other important decisions have been taken, invoices agreed and paid.

"Although the office has to be closed staff have worked tirelessly from home fielding a variety of calls.

"I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the staff and volunteers of Age Concern who are leading the support for over 50’s and the vulnerable. "We are living in difficult times but the people of Crediton are resilient and caring.

"For those of you with access to the internet there is a mass of useful information on the websites of the Town Council and Mid Devon District Council.

"For those of you who are not connected to the internet here are a few telephone numbers: 01884 255255 Mid Devon District Council, 03444 111444 Citizens Advice, 01363 772577 Crediton Foodbank, 01363 775739 and 07519 930040 Town Council emergency numbers.

"Stay safe, exercise close to home and stay at home except for essential shopping! This is how we shall defeat this virus!"

AGE CONCERN CREDITON - COVID-19 AND VOLUNTEERS

Age Concern Crediton says it has been gratified by the offers of support it has received from volunteers during the current crisis.

Michael Coleman, Chairman of trustees, Age Concern Crediton, said: "With our office remaining manned, although closed to visitors, we have received a number of telephone calls and emails directly from those wishing to help, for which we are very grateful.

"Similarly, Crediton Town Council, for whose support we are also grateful, has been co-ordinating offers from some of the so-called "volunteer army" of 750,000 people who have responded to the government’s request for help and has been able to offer the names of those who would be willing to give their time.

"As matters stand, the charity has not yet needed to take-up any such offers as we are still using our own retained staff to provide daily telephone contact and support to our clients in order to try to prevent any of them from feeling or becoming isolated.

"We are also continuing to do shopping and delivering it for those who need it and to provide a similar service with prescriptions.

“These services are being offered free-of-charge not just to our own clients, but to any older people in Crediton and the surrounding area who ask us (telephone - 01363 775008).

"For the time being, we shall carry on without further help as we feel it is important for our clients to recognise the voices and faces of those with whom they are used to being in contact.

"While there is currently no end in sight to the crisis, we would hope that, as and when things eventually return to some sort of normality, we may be able to take advantage of some of the kind offers of help that have been made, for which we are very grateful indeed."

Age Concern Crediton is happy to help any older people and can be contacted on 01363 775008 (ansaphone out of hours) and: [email protected] .

METHODIST CHURCH

Crediton Methodist Church has been helping many people in need with assistance such as shopping.

Supermarkets have occasionally seen long queues and elderly and vulnerable people as well as many others have been unable to book home delivery slots for some weeks or unable to stand in queues, sometimes for more than an hour.

People can contact Rev Ann Varker on 01363 777308 or via email: [email protected] .

Other churches are also offering some support such as shopping for those in need or social isolating.

THE HUB

Crediton High Street traders, who have set up “The Hub” for orders from Crediton High Street shops is working well with people ordering directly by telephone to the shops and orders prepared for delivery across the area.

A collection service has also been started from The Hub.

The website for shops taking part in The Hub project is: https://shopcrediton.co.uk.

Many other businesses are also operating in their own way and it is advised to make contact in the first instance by telephone.

Many village residents are suffering because of the social isolation and closure of transport links.

Trying to obtain delivery of food and other essentials has been difficult and some fantastic set-ups have been set up in each village, many by parish councils but also by volunteers.

Those in rural areas are advised to find out which group can assist.

Crediton Library’s Home Library Service volunteers are keeping in touch with their clients by telephone.

The staff are supporting the community online.

The Library is also arranging Facebook Live Bounce and Rhyme and Crafty Tales and a range of “How to …” YouTube videos to help people use online resources, etc.

Those who are in need of support are welcome to contact the “Crediton Courier” to be pointed to an organisation or group which will be able to help them.

Contact by email at: [email protected] or telephone 01363 774263.

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