‘Amazing’ volunteers help South Downs villagers cope with the coronavirus outbreak

Amazing community volunteers are going the extra mile to provide support and supplies to people in West Chiltington and Nutbourne.
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The South Downs villagers have pulled together to support each other amid the coronavirus crisis.

A small group banded together in mid March to form the West Chiltington and Nutbourne Action Group to prepare for the challenges of Covid-19 by mobilising the community.

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They began by delivering 1,700 leaflets to all homes in the area. Said a spokesman: “We had a truly amazing response from our community with over 70 volunteers offering to help their fellow residents.”

West Chiltington and Nutbourne Action Group SUS-200428-105228001West Chiltington and Nutbourne Action Group SUS-200428-105228001
West Chiltington and Nutbourne Action Group SUS-200428-105228001

A volunteer register was set up with a database of self-isolating and vulnerable residents.

Helplines were also established running six days a week from 10am - 3pm via a team of 15 volunteers.

A daily pick-up and delivery service was organised from four local stores and three pharmacies with 42 volunteers working on a rota basis.

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The village shops - NISA, Post Office Stores and West Chiltington Butcher - have also worked heroically to keep customers supplied.

West Chiltington and Nutbourne Action Group SUS-200428-105306001West Chiltington and Nutbourne Action Group SUS-200428-105306001
West Chiltington and Nutbourne Action Group SUS-200428-105306001

In early April, the village was divided into 12 areas each with a designated area volunteer who made themselves known to registered residents that contacted the helplines to identify specific needs, provide a weekly friendly call and act as a conduit for information.

A book and DVD library has recently been set up from donations and these are also now delivered free via the delivery team.

The villagers also have a dedicated Facebook group and have just launched a website www.wcanag.org

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The action group is registered as one of the 27 recognised HUBs within Horsham District Council area and and has become a key part of the wider national effort.

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