TAVISTOCK Local Help group has dealt with nearly 900 requests since lockdown began seven weeks ago and wants to assure people that help will continue to be available where needed.

Speaking to the Times this week member and borough councillor Steve Hipsey said despite the changes announced by the Government on Sunday, nothing had changed as far as Tavistock Local Help (TLH) was concerned.

‘We would like to assure everyone that the 0800 046 5531 helpline will continue to be manned and help will still be available where needed,’ he said.

‘Assistance may also be sought by email [email protected] or via the website https://tavistocklocalshelp.co.uk/

Volunteers can be despatched at short notice, seven days per week, to deliver groceries, collect prescriptions and provide emergency food parcels where necessary.

The website also provides useful information such as contact details for businesses still operating during the crisis.

A rising number of referrals has been received via Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) and West Devon Borough Council via their helpline (01822 813683) or website (https://westdevon.gov.uk/gethelp), a good working relationship having been established with both organisations.

Cllr Hipsey said that somewhat surprisingly, a growing number of emergency food boxes, provided under the Government scheme for protecting shielded residents, had been donated by those not needing them, from addresses all over the Tavistock area — 27 to date. These could be collected by TLH volunteers and re-distributed to households in need of emergency food consignments.

‘Such deliveries are stored and delivered almost entirely by staff from Mount Kelly School, for whose assistance TLH organisers are extremely grateful,’ he said. ‘Any unwanted, but still useable, food items can be donated by calling the TLH helpline above.’

The capabilities of the group had broadened significantly in recent weeks as additional requirements had been encountered, added Cllr Hipsey.

‘TASS has kindly made a minibus with a wheelchair lift available, enabling hospital transport to be offered to Derriford and Tavistock Hospital for patients with limited mobility.

‘Some essential gardening tasks have also been completed for elderly and vulnerable residents.

‘One of the most unusual tasks this week was a benign form of breaking and entering. A couple of less agile residents accidentally locked themselves out of their home after an early morning shopping trip. Thankfully, a TLH volunteer was on hand to scale the garden fence and gain entry for them with the aid of a sledgehammer!

‘The massive and very encouraging surge of people contacting the group and offering their services as volunteers has been such that with over 160 volunteers now available for tasking, TLH has reluctantly had to decline further such offers for the time being.

‘This policy will be reviewed regularly as events occur and the crisis situation develops. ‘