Good Neighbours volunteers begin pharmacy collections

he Plymouth Good Neighbours Scheme is stepping in to help with prescription deliveries across the city.

Working closely with and taking referrals from the Caring for Plymouth support hub, a band of trusted volunteers will be ensuring that people who can't get out for their medication get all of the supplies that they need, right to their door.

The Good Neighbours Scheme was set up by the Council at beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak, to help coordinate the voluntary response to the crisis across the city.

Well over 700 people have offered their time, skills and expertise to the cause so far with that number growing daily.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member for Housing and Cooperative Development, is overseeing the Good Neighbours scheme effort.

Chris said: "I'm really pleased to lend the support of the Good Neighbours scheme to this cause.

"Of course, voluntary groups and organisations have already been doing this job since the crisis began and for that, we're extremely grateful.

"Our job now is to try and ease the pressure on these fantastic people and increase capacity to continue this great work. We'll use our contacts and expertise to help make the process easier and streamlined for clients, pharmacies and volunteers."

As well as individual volunteers from the Good Neighbours register, a number of organisations including the Argyle Community Trust and motorcycle club 19 Bikers Group will also be involved.

Volunteers will be trained and will all have been DBS checked.

If you are self-isolating and have no local support group, then this scheme is for you.

Call Caring for Plymouth on 01752 668000. We have specially trained call handlers ready and waiting to take your calls.

You can find out more about the Good Neighbours scheme, Caring for Plymouth and the Council's wider approach to tackling the coronavirus crisis by clicking here - www.plymouth.gov.uk/coronaviruscovid19information