In just over two weeks, more than 350 people in Beaconsfield have been mobilised to support the vulnerable in their community amid the coronavirus pandemic.
‘The Buddy Network’ is a group of volunteers already delivering help to the elderly, self-isolating and vulnerable in the community.
The Buddies are all volunteers, who sign up and are deployed using simple forms on a new Better Connected Beaconsfield website. BCB Buddies are already helping dozens of residents every day.
Paul Henry, Project Lead, Covid-19 Support Group & trustee of Better Connected Beaconsfield, said: “I’m so impressed by the generosity and willingness of people to help.
"We’re shopping, delivering prescription medicine, lending a sympathetic ear through our Listening Ear service and providing moral and physical support to residents who need us.”
Judith Chapman, Buddy Network Lead, adds: “Our Buddy Network is committed to supporting self-isolating, elderly, disabled and sick residents in Beaconsfield.
READ MORE:
- Bucks public issued warnings for being out during coronavirus pandemic
- Coronavirus: Parks taped up as social distancing is ignored
- Thames Valley man, 37, jailed for coughing at a policeman
"The Network provides support and coordination, advice and help to hundreds of Buddies who have selflessly volunteered to help those who need it most.”
Gay Flashman, comms lead, said: “We are using the best of new technology and social media to deliver support to our community; and to support our Buddies in the work that they do.
"We’re looking for more Buddies all the time and we want to keep telling the community that we are here to help.”
This is how the 'Buddy Network' works:
• Buddies engage on the BCB Buddy Network Facebook Page and on their own private Facebook Group named 'better connected Beaconsfield'.
• A regular newsletter written and designed by volunteers will be distributed to ensure the Buddies are informed and supported during their work over the coming weeks.
• Pro bono support has also been offered by Facebook management, local writers, comms experts, designers and coding teams at Google
• The website includes three clear buttons on its home page, to make seeking and giving help easy and simple. Google Forms drive the flow of information and escalate support requests.
• A new website was built for free in 36 hours by Indigo Tree agency in Hemel Hempstead.
Click here to read more on the network.
For more information, WhatsApp/text/call Gay Flashman on 07903 803 987.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here