More than one thousand volunteers have answered the call to help the community tackle coronavirus.

More than 600 volunteers have signed up to become a ‘Coronavirus Response Volunteer’ in Reading in the past week, taking the total over the thousand mark.

Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) is co-ordinating volunteer applications, which have risen from 353 to more than 1,000 volunteers since the One Reading Community Hub opened last week and called for more people to come forward.

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Reading Borough Council (RBC) leader Jason Brock said: “Reading has always been known for its great community spirit and it is no surprise to see such an amazing public response since the call for volunteers went out. 

“The council’s priority is to support vulnerable people across Reading at this hugely difficult time.

“I would urge anyone in need of help not to hesitate to call the hub if they do not have family or trusted friends who can help them.”

Prescriptions, emotional support and essential food: How the new hub is helping

The ‘One Reading Community Hub’ helpline, co-ordinated by the council in partnership with RVA, went live on March 25.

It has helped residents with prescription requests and emotional support.

But the largest number of calls have been from isolated residents unable to get to shops, the council said.

Grateful recipients who called in have received much needed hard-to-get supplies such as bread, milk, eggs, pasta and toilet roll, along with fresh fruit and vegetables, with the help of volunteers.

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Anyone needing assistance can call the phone line on 0808 189 4325 at:

  • 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
  • 9am – 1pm on Saturday
  • 9am – 1pm on Sunday

Reading residents who want to become volunteers can also call the number.

The One Reading Community Hub, a partnership between Reading Borough Council, Reading Voluntary Action and the town’s voluntary and community sector, was launched as part of the council’s strategic response to COVID-19 which is prioritising:

  • Ensuring essential social care services are running for the adults and children who need them
  • Reaching the most vulnerable and isolated members of the community, who most need help at this time
  • Supporting local business and the economy and securing the economic recovery of the town

How else can you can help

Residents who wish to pledge money to help support local people in need can do so through a fund set up by the Berkshire Community Foundation.

Donations support groups helping people isolated at home, those struggling to maintain good physical and mental health, and those struggling to deal with the impact on their work.

So far, more than £20,000 has been raised.

The new Reading Community Lottery is nother way you can support the community during the coronavirus crisis.