About the Community Response Volunteer Scheme
As we continue through these difficult times we want to look after the most vulnerable in our community and particularly our older people.
Our Coxhoe Cares volunteer scheme is about being available to help our older and vulnerable people. It is about volunteers coming forward to enable us to provide that support.
This page gives information on the virus, how vulnerable people may seek support while asking for volunteers to come forward.
Coronavirus (Covid 19)
The outbreak of the coronavirus and its development into a pandemic is affecting everyone’s lives.
Government advice on trying to stop the spread and deal with its consequences is changes on a daily basis. The main thrust of current advice is wear a facemask, wash hands and social distance to avoid the spread of the disease. Large scale gatherings have been banned. People are being urged not to go out and to avoid contact with others unless essential. Essential basically means going to work if you cannot work from home and food shopping.
If you need information on the virus please make sure you look at official, reputable websites for information. We suggest the following:
- National Health Service Website
- National Government Advice on coronavirus
- Durham County Council Website Coronavirus pages
What do I do if I think I have the virus
If you feel you may have the virus, use the National Health Service 111 website.
If you do not have access to the internet call the National Health Service (NHS) on 111.
What can I do if I am vulnerable and alone during self isolation
If you have no direct support from family and friends and feel you are:
- isolated
- struggling to get your basic food needs
- have other difficulties, or
- would just like to chat to someone
then please do not sit at home worrying. Call us and see what can be done. We will do our best to help.
Contact us as follows:
Claire by text or by calling 07988 283287 or email clerk@coxhoeparishcouncil.gov.uk
If you cannot call the mobile numbers, call 0191 3773658. In the event of no answer please leave us a message; we will be monitoring this number as much as possible.
The role of the Parish Council and a call for volunteers
The Parish Council has limited powers and responsibilities in respect of public health. It can, however, act a voice for the community. It can also use its resources to help co-ordinate a community response to the current situation aimed at supporting the most vulnerable in the communities of Coxhoe and Quarrington Hill.
We know that our communities will be responding to those who need help. Family will be looking out for family and friends. However we want to make sure no one in our community is left isolated, out of touch or lonely where we can. We want to make sure that our older people have someone they can have a chat with if they are unsure about things. We also want to make sure that, during self isolation, those who have no available support from family and friends have someone who can go to the shops for them.
While we can act as a point of contact and co-ordinators we need more volunteers on the ground to support our older people.
We are therefore looking for volunteers to join the Coxhoe Coronavirus Community Volunteer Scheme. We are calling out to community residents specifically. However, if there are any businesses who may wish to assist in helping the community’s older people, in any way, then please let us know.
If you can help with such things as:
- talking to people over the phone
- helping out with some shopping or practical things
- helping any businesses to make free of charge deliveries
please let us know now.
If you want to volunteer please contact us using the details above.
We’ll be taking measures to make sure we do this safely and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Should you wish to volunteer you will be required to complete a Volunteer Registration Form.
The Coxhoe Cares Scheme is registered with Durham County Council’s County Durham Together.
Community Pantry
The Parish Council are a significant partner in the provision of a Community Pantry which runs from the Village Hall. Find out more about the Coxhoe and Area Community Pantry
Little Library
A Coxhoe resident has set up Coxhoe’s Little Library as is acting as part of their contribution to helping people out in Lockdown. It is situated outside of 7 Linden Terrace, Cornforth Road as shown on the photograph on the left.
It may be small in size but it is free, has self-access and has a wide range of books to suit all ages and tastes. Drop by any time to pick up a book. The Little Library exercises its own strict coronavirus protection regime.
The Little Library is partnering with Coxhoe Village Hall’s Reading Room and Coxhoe Parish Council to improve its offer at a time of difficulty. Coxhoe Little Library will continue to operate as usual but by working together, there is e a new expanded offer too. There is a ‘Ring and Reserve, Deliver, Collect, Return or Donate service ‘ from Coxhoe Village Hall, Tuesdays and Thursday 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
Although this service is only operational at these times you can ring Coxhoe Village Hall anytime on 0191 377 0344 and leave your name, a message and your telephone number and we’ll ring you back to arrange getting a book of your choice, if available, to you. Coxhoe Parish Council may be able arrange delivery to isolated people through Coxhoe Cares Community Response Volunteer Scheme.
You can donate, collect and return books as a part of our daily exercise regime. If you’d prefer to pick up books from the Village Hall or Little Library as part of your daily exercise regime, then again ring in advance and we’ll ring you back to arrange for books to be donated, returned to, or collected from us.
Please remember that social distancing and hand sanitising is still paramount. Please ensure you take appropriate protection and preventative steps when using the service.
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