CALSTOCK Parish Council has expressed a big heartfelt thanks to all the 84 volunteers who offered help during lockdown.

As soon as the Government announced plans for the country to ‘lockdown’ Calstock Parish Council set up a volunteer scheme to help people in need.

The council was overwhelmed with generosity from people across the whole parish and members of the Lions’ club, based in Harrowbarrow who offered to help with shopping.

Local taxi firm (Darren’s Cabs) also offered their drivers to run errands all free of charge.

Over 60 people initially asked for help of which approximately 20 people have needed ongoing help.

‘We had 84 volunteers join the scheme,’ said deputy parish council clerk Clare Bullimore.

‘We were very lucky that so many offered help as it meant that all requests were able to be met. When called upon, the volunteers have been pleased to help and nothing has been too much trouble.’

The volunteers have carried out support such as prescription pick-ups and delivery, grocery shopping, transport to hospital appointments, making face masks (which have been distributed to Harrowbarrow Post Office and the butchers in Gunnislake), helping with Tamar Grow Local deliveries on a Friday, dog walking, basic gardening, posting parcels, collecting unwanted food parcels and delivering to the Callington Foodbank.

In addition, parish council staff have made referrals to the foodbank and signposted people to CAB and housing agencies (amongst other services) for further support.

A children’s support worker has recently requested help with finishing a gardening project for a family with additional needs and several people have come forward to help with that.

Parish council chairman Jim Wakem said was overwhelmed by the support of members of the parish who had been ‘tremendous’ through lockdown in responding to everyone in need.

‘I thank each and everyone of them,’ he said.

He also praised parish clerk Sue Lemon and assistant parish clerk Clare Bullimore for coordinating the whole volunteer effort.

‘If they had trouble getting hold of someone to help they would do it themselves, picking up prescriptions and shopping. The whole community has supported each other, it’s been wonderful to see.’