How quickly life can change. This time last week I was looking forward to attending events all over Frome and beyond, but this week I am looking at how Frome Town Council can do its part in tackling the Coronavirus outbreak.
We are taking our steer from central government of course but realise that we must try and do what we can to help people at a local level. Many of you will know I am actively involved in two local voluntary organisations, Fair Frome and Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), and was keen to involve them in the council’s response to the emergency.
The first port of call for people in need is often CAB and they will try to provide the level of service we expect of them. However, we need to remember that the face-to-face service is provided by volunteers, and there may be times when they are not available for duty due to illness and the office will have to close. If this happens, notices and website messages will inform clients of alternative ways of accessing help, including telephone and on-line advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk ).
Fair Frome’s services are often accessed via the CAB but we are looking at how these can be provided directly if and when required. Please continue to donate food and any other supplies you can spare as there is likely to be an unprecedented demand from those in need at this time, and consider volunteering if you are able (www.fairfrome.org).
Frome Town Council (www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk) will publish regular updates of our response and other local initiatives to assist our residents. Looking out for each other and being a good neighbour is key in these challenging new times, but what can you do to help? You may not know your neighbours, so we’re asking all residents to contact your nearest five neighbours, drop your number through their door and ask them to give you a call, you may be able to help and that can be a lifeline for those self-isolating. We will get through this and helping each other will go a long way to making it as painless as possible.
