HEART’s core team.

Huge community response helps people in lockdown

Huge numbers of selfless residents have stepped up to help isolated people cope with the Coronavirus pandemic. HEART, the organisation coordinating the volunteer response, reports.

Established by volunteers Kim Batty and Alastair Fairley, the Hastings Emergency Action Response Team (HEART) has now seen over 1,000 people volunteer to help people with food shopping, collecting medicines, transport and even dog walking.

Launched just days before the Government’s lockdown announcement, the team’s 3,000 strong Facebook group now has its own website – www,hastingsheart.com – where people can sign up to volunteer, ask for help, or get information on take-away deliveries, shops still operating and other lifeline services.

HEART is now matching dozens of urgent requests for help with volunteers across the town. It is also working closely with Hastings Borough Council and East Sussex County Council, the NHS, Hastings Voluntary Action, Hastings Foodbank and a host of other organisations as part of the ‘Community Hub’, streamlining support across the town as it copes with the Coronavirus pandemic.

Joint coordinator Alastair Fairley says: “HEART was set up because we knew people would need help. It has touched a nerve – the response from the community has been amazing”.

Call-outs have seen volunteers deliver urgent food supplies to an 80-year old feeling ‘abandoned’ in a sheltered housing block, collect vital pharmacy medication for a blind pensioner, and reach out to dozens of elderly residents on GP lists to set up weekly food deliveries.

Co-founder Kim Batty says: “If people need help, or know someone who does, all they need to do is fill in a simple form on our website. If they’re not online, or are elderly or vulnerable, they should call the Council’s helpline on 01424 451019.

“We’re here to help. We’re doing everything we can to support people safely, and we’re working hard to make a difference.”

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