We are using our expertise and experience of volunteer coordination to help community support services in areas across Shropshire.

We have supported a number of volunteer groups in central Shropshire since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, offering advice on best practice, safeguarding and logistics.

In March 2020 we supported the establishment of Helping Hands Whitchurch, a voluntary group which was set up by local people for those in their community who are vulnerable and/or self-isolating. We are continuing to work with Helping Hands Whitchurch, taking enquiries, passing on information to volunteers and redirecting people to other services.

If you are a community group looking for advice on mobilising your volunteers to support the local community, please contact us on 01743 360641 / enquiries@shropshire-rcc.org.uk

Community Support Services - contacts

Helping Hands Whitchurch

Helping Hands Whitchurch was set up by local volunteers and Shropshire RCC earlier this year in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

The service is currently on-hold while we assess how it can be implemented long-term for the benefit of the Whitchurch community.

Good Neighbours schemes

Good Neighbours schemes are community-run befriending and support groups, which Shropshire RCC introduced to the county and continues to support.

Below is the list of Good Neighbours schemes currently running. They are all offering differing levels of support during the coronavirus crisis, so if you would like to find out more information about how you or someone you know could be supported by Good Neighbours, please contact them directly.

• Church Stretton - csgoodneighbours@gmail.com / 01694 724242
• Claverley - 07783 665972
• Craven Arms - 01588 673732
• Market Drayton - 01630 659204 / info@mdgns.org
• Wem - 01939 231181 / wemgoodneighbours@gmail.com

Other local support Age UK Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin has compiled a database of shopping and support groups across the county, which can be viewed here.

Shropshire Council has put together a map sharing information on local community support groups and the community responses to the coronavirus pandemic, which can be viewed here.