Thank you so much for your offer to help support those who are most vulnerable in our communities.

We are all facing difficult challenges and it is wonderfully inspiring to see so many people come forward to support each other and work together. It is the kindness, time and energy that you have offered to freely give that will help us get through these unprecedented times.

There are many ways you can help right now:

1. Support our Community Response Hub

Whether you can help in a half-hour break from your home office or can spare more of your time because you are furloughed, retired or unemployed, your support is valued and valuable. Our volunteers are helping with practical support such as collecting prescriptions, picking up Click & Collect shopping and carrying out safe and well checks. Contact Sally at volunteer@chelmsfordcvs.org.uk

We also have numerous vacancies advertised through our Volunteering Centre. You can view the current volunteer vacancies in Chelmsford and apply here.

2. Donate food and supplies

Chelmsford Food Bank helps the most vulnerable in our district with emergency food and supplies. By donating to the Food Bank, you’re helping to ensure that essential supplies are being efficiently distributed to those in need in the Chelmsford district.

Please ensure you make contact with them before dropping off donations to find out their latest needs and requirements.

3. Help your neighbours

Make a big difference on your doorstep by reaching out to your neighbours, especially those who you think may be vulnerable or isolated. They may not be known to charities or Food Banks so a small act of kindness from a neighbour could really help. Read our guidance <link to this page> to find out how you can stay safe while supporting your neighbours.

4. Volunteer for a neighbourhood group

If you would prefer to help your neighbours through a group, please contact us as we are keeping a directory of neighbourhood volunteer groups in the Chelmsford district and we can put you in touch.

5. Be a Telephone Befriender

More and more people are struggling with loneliness, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed as a result of Coronavirus. A conversation with someone kind and cheerful can help. Telephone Befrienders provide company, reassurance and light-hearted conversation to people who are alone and worried. You can volunteer from your home, making calls as and when it suits your schedule. Contact Sally at volunteer@chelmsfordcvs.org.uk

6. Volunteer for the NHS

The Volunteer Responder scheme supports the NHS and social care sector during the pandemic. It is recruiting an ‘army’ of volunteers who can support vulnerable people who are at most risk from the virus to stay well. You can find out if our area needs help now and register your interest here.

7. Sign up to be a Red Cross Reserve Volunteer

The Red Cross deploys Community Reserve Volunteers in times of crisis to provide essential help to local communities. You can sign up here.

8. Give blood

Blood donations save lives. If you are fit and well, please

9. Donate to local organisations

Many local organisations have had to halt fundraising events so are finding it hard to survive and need your help more than ever before. If you can spare a few pounds, then

10. Donate to the Community Response Hub

We gratefully receive donations to the Community Response Hub to cover our running costs and the essential supplies given out to those in need. All donations will be received into our Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund to enable more people to be supported. Thank you for your donation.