SCORES of volunteers have stepped up to help vulnerable members of the community in the Wellington area since the start of the coronavirus crisis – but more would still be welcomed.

The 125 Wellington Angels are now shopping on a weekly basis for nearly 130 people, most over 70 and with health problems, and collecting hundreds of prescriptions.

Meg Moriarty, who helps run the Wellington Coronavirus Community Group, fears the virus will be a problem for many months and said: “I get phone calls every day, so this time next week it will probably be up to 150 needing help.

“It will probably stabilise at some point but we are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to register as a volunteer.”

The scheme, which is running in Wellington and outlying areas such as Langford Budville, Sampford Moor, West Buckland and Bradford-on-Tone, works by connecting a volunteer with vulnerable individuals who need help.

The volunteers, who are all security checked and do not go inside clients’ homes, may simply collect a shopping list, visit a supermarket to buy the items required and drop them off.

For the full story see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.