Devizes Covid19 Support

Devizes Covid19 Support was one of a number of new groups established locally across Wiltshire specifically to respond to the pandemic. For 19 weeks the group, which operated out of Devizes Town Hall, provided a range of support for those in need in the community many of whom had no one else to turn to. A grant of £3,000 from our Wiltshire and Swindon Coronavirus Response Fund helped with the costs of staff, IT support for their call centre as well as food and other emergency supplies for vulnerable and low-income households.

Committee member Reverend Keith Brindle from St James Church said: “Looking back now it is hard to believe just what we have achieved and how quickly our community galvanised to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic. Between them, almost 400 volunteers responded to 5,700 calls, undertook over 2,000 shopping trips and delivered over 3,000 prescriptions to people across our town. Additionally, we made in-excess of 1,500 well-being calls to those who were isolated, lonely or vulnerable and arranged the preparation and delivery of over 800 free meals.

“I would like to pay to tribute to the energy and enthusiasm of our army of dedicated volunteers who graciously gave up their time, many on a weekly basis, to help others. It has been a privilege to work alongside them and a pretty impressive effort from Devizes to support their community in this way.”