Essex County Council is issuing a rally call for people to help their neighbours out and volunteer to support the county’s most vulnerable.

Calling in on neighbours to check if they are okay, picking up shopping, fetching prescriptions or walking dogs are tasks we can all help with.

People who want to volunteer in their local area are still be encouraged to sign up to do so and stand by to be called on.

Last week, the County Council set up a Coronavirus Action Group on Facebook, working with local community Facebook group admins to create a group of volunteers willing to help those in need.

The Facebook group has already encouraged 3,000 people to register as volunteers, but more are still needed

Leader of Essex County Council Cllr David Finch said: “We have been amazed by the kindness shown by the people of Essex in this difficult and uncertain time. Family, friends, neighbours, communities going out of their way to help each other just shows what wonderful people we have in our county.

“We have already seen over 3,000 people sign up as volunteers to help the County’s most vulnerable, but we need more. So please, sign up. And meantime, remember to check on your neighbours to see how they are.”

Anyone wanting to sign up to volunteer can do so here.

For those already supporting your neighbours, friends and family, social distancing rules need to be followed this means not going into other people’s houses, and leaving supplies on doorsteps if needed.

Updates will be posted via the Essex Coronavirus Action Facebook group

www.facebook.com/essexcoronavirusaction

The latest advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) is available on the Public Health England (PHE) and NHS websites or via www.essex.gov.uk/coronavirus

You can find out about impacts on our services on the Essex County Council website.