OVER THE last week, Citizens Advice have helped over 370 people through One Front Door, which points callers in the appropriate direction to get the help they need.
The organisation — which offers guidance and support on a range of issues — has found the top reasons for calling have been people needing food parcels and help getting their prescriptions collected.
Jake Morrison, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Given the rise in demand, we do need to work with more charities. There are charities across the borough who work in very particular areas so it’s about matching people up to receive the relevant support.”
Citizens Advice is encouraging people not to wait until they are at crisis point before calling.
“Leave a voicemail or an email and we will make sure we’ll get back to you.”
To help meet demand, telephone opening hours will be increased to include Saturdays 9-5pm.
Wokingham Community Hub
The food distribution hub has now moved to St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, London Road — which has a larger capacity for donations.
The community hub is taking donations of both fresh and non-perishable food, toiletries and other living essentials such as nappies.
A contactless system is in place where donations can be left in boxes outside the St Crispin’s Leisure Centre.
For more information and the latest updates visit Wokingham Community Hub.
Volunteer Centre
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is currently focusing on helping vulnerable people get their prescriptions from pharmacies. Volunteers are sent out to pick up and deliver medication to people’s homes.
Christine Knox, centre manager said: “It’s going really well, we’re helping people with quite serious needs to get their medication. We’re processing all the requests coming through to us and at the moment have capacity for more requests.”
The charity asks that if you’re keen to volunteer, to be patient as you will be needed.
“If people want to volunteer, please bear with us, it’s hard to plan the next few weeks but we will need you.”
Visit Wokingham Volunteer Centre for updates on specific roles that are needed.
The Link
The Link Visiting Scheme, currently running a telephone buddy system offering social support and friendship over the phone, is encouraging anyone who is feeling lonely to give them a call.
Marjie Walker, manager at Link said: “We’re really keen for anyone who’s on their own or feeling lonely at the moment to get in touch with us. We can link them up with a volunteer who can give them a call once or twice a week.
“We may have to call older people to do welfare checks over the next few weeks, to see if they’re okay.”
The service has always been well received by those who benefit from it but is especially appreciated during this time of uncertainty.
“We’ve had quite a few people call us saying how grateful they are. People who were feeling anxious and worried, but after speaking with a telephone buddy are feeling much better.
“One lady called to say a ten minute phone call really helped her, and gave her some much needed company.”
The charity is able to help anyone needing social support at this time, not just the elderly.
“We are expecting an increase in calls, we have lots of volunteers willing to talk to people. No one needs to feel like they’re on their own.”
To refer someone for support or to apply to be a volunteer visit Link Visiting or call 0118 979 8019 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).
Wellbeing Goody Bag Appeal
The Link Visiting Scheme is seeking your help with their new Goody Bags, introduced to help cheer people up. The Wellbeing Goody Bags are being put together for vulnerable older people and families who seek support during social isolation. The charity is reaching out to local churches and to anyone who might be able to help.
Along the lines of the Christmas shoe-box appeal, you can support your community by putting together a bag of goodies and treats in supermarket ‘bags for life’.
These can be delivered to the Wokingham Borough Community Hub (in the outside bins at St Crispins Leisure Centre Mon-Fri 9am-4pm). They will then be safely distributed to those who really need them.
