Council calls for volunteers to support vulnerable residents

Neath Port Talbot Council is calling on volunteers to help with its new service to support vulnerable residents who have been told to shield themselves from the risk of contracting the Coronavirus but don’t have any family, friends or neighbours.

Known as the NPT Safe and Well service, volunteers will be matched up with a vulnerable resident living in their local community and will be asked to:

• keep in regular contact, helping them to get food shopping, walk dogs or assist with other reasonable tasks
• encourage them to undertake daily exercise
• encourage them to use digital technologies to connect to the wider world
• be part of a wider community effort to keep Neath Port Talbot safe and well

Volunteers will not be asked to enter a person’s home or breach any of public health advice provided by the government on social distancing. They will also not be asked to handle money or to arrange another volunteer if they are unable to continue to provide support.

Councillor Rob Jones, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:

“With the measures to stem the coronavirus outbreak being strengthened by the Government, we are keen to expand our network of volunteers within the county borough.

“We are asking people to sign up to become a volunteer within their streets and immediate neighbourhoods and help with tasks such as shopping, posting mail, and being available for a friendly phone call, should residents need to stay at home.”

“By working together, we can make this challenging and uncertain time a bit easier for everyone.”

The NPT Safe and Well service has been set up in response to those who have been identified as medically vulnerable by the NHS. More than 4000 residents living in Neath Port Talbot are due to be told to shield themselves for 12 weeks to lower the risk of contracting the coronavirus.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, register online at www.npt.gov.uk/volunteering or call 01639 686868.