An incredible outpouring of community spirit has resulted in more than 3,000 people volunteering to become part of Liverpool’s ‘community army’ to help tackle the coronavirus challenge.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson set up the hotline on Friday 20 March and it was immediately inundated with pledges of help. The overwhelming response means the volunteer hotline has been temporarily suspended.
All those who have registered will now be contacted by email for further details – for example to establish what skill sets they have.
Liverpool City Council will continue to work in partnership with charitable organisations across the city – including LCVS and The Trussell Trust – in order to assign people to a variety of much-needed roles.
These roles will vary from delivering essential food supplies to making phone calls to lonely residents.
Another support hotline was established at the same time for anyone to call who feels they need help with a range of basic tasks because they don’t have a network of family and friends. This is still operational. The number is 0151 233 3066 and will be open from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week. Alternatively, people can request help online here.
The latest Mersey Waves podcast talks about the challenges and importance of this programme. Listen to the episode here.
