ORGANISERS of a new community group in Wellington which will aim to help those people in most need during the coronavirus outbreak have been overwhelmed by offers of support.

Meg Moriarty and Jade Martin launched the Wellington Community Group on the Facebook website at the weekend and have been delighted at the response they have had from people wanting to get involved.

“The response has been amazing – we’ve had more than 90 volunteers in just 24 hours, offering help with anything from shopping to animal care and emotional support,” they said.

They are gaining support from a number of professionals and were yesterday (Tuesday) having a meeting with a local doctor and an expert in health management to help work out the group’s response when it is required.

Jade and Meg are looking to reach out to people in the Wellington area who will need help during possible self-isolation.

“We are looking to hear from anyone who is going to be self-isolating or if anyone knows of anyone who is self-isolating,” they said.

They want to help people with simple tasks such as picking up shopping or prescriptions, posting mail, collecting urgent supplies or by taking pets to the vets.

They will also be looking to provide a friendly phone call and emotional support to people in times of loneliness.

If anyone would like to offer support to the group or needs help – please get in touch with Jade or Meg.

“We will do our best to arrange help for free, safely and in accordance with recommended guidelines,” they added.

People can email [email protected] or phone 07871 258048 – or go to the group’s Facebook page Coronavirus Community Group Wellington.

The coronavirus outbreak is still very much in its infancy in the UK with the number of cases approaching 2,000.

But already local events are being cancelled to try and minimise groups of people from getting together and unwittingly spreading the virus.