All the volunteering opportunities in Hailsham during lockdown

In the past few weeks following the COVID-19 outbreak, a number of organisations have been launched to help people across town.

Town Mayor Cllr Paul Holbrook said: “I am extremely grateful to the many local community groups, voluntary organisations, businesses and individuals who are offering local deliveries, pick-ups, drop-offs and even those checking on or caring for people who are self-isolating, elderly or more vulnerable to the virus. I am truly amazed by the response of you all to the coronavirus crisis.”

St Wilfrids Hospice in Eastbourne calls for help to get through crisis

Whether it is to provide assistance to the elderly and vulnerable, mental health support, drop-off and pick-up services – this is how you could help.

• Hailsham Crisis Support

Sunflowers Mental Health & Well-Being CIC is managing the Facebook group ‘Hailsham Crisis Support’, which welcomes volunteers to help support the vulnerable and elderly in Hailsham and surrounding rural areas during this difficult time.

If anyone wants to lend a helping hand or is in need of this service you can email [email protected]. For more information visit their Facebook page.

• Hailsham Community Hub (SCDA)

The Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA) is working hard to ensure they minimise any risks of Covid-19 to the people who access their services, staff and volunteers.

They are following the latest guidance from the Government to ensure their staff, volunteers and service-users stay safe and healthy.

Hailsham Community Hub continues to maintain its service delivery where possible and is adapting delivery so that they can continue to help local people. For further information, send an email to [email protected]

• Community Food Hub

The King’s Head Cacklebury is operating a temporary community food hub to help locals to obtain essential supplies.

The pub’s existing wholesalers continue to supply with fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, cheese, eggs, cleaning products, toiletries, tinned products and dry foods.

Send orders and enquiries to [email protected]. If your call is not answered in time, leave a message with your phone number and they will call you back.

Once your order has been put together, you will be contacted by Community Food Hub for payment by card over the phone and to arrange safe collection.

• NHS Care Packages

A small community organisation based in Hailsham made up of Hailsham Cricket Club players, ‘NHS Care Packages’, is working to source and deliver basic grocery packages to the NHS staff who live in the local area.

They are providing packages to NHS staff for free to help out and make their lives a little easier during this pandemic.

If you or anyone you know works within the NHS and requires this service, email [email protected].

You will need to provide proof of employment in the NHS, an address and delivery times which work for you. Funding donations to https://www.gofundme.com/f/hailsham-nhs-care-packages.

• Community Sewing Project (#NHS Angels)

A local community sewing project established providing assistance to midwives at local hospitals.

Currently, around 15 local crafting people are making scrub laundry bags and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) headbands.

In the first five days of operation, the project has distributed more than 500 items to NHS frontline staff.

For enquiries and further details, contact Mary on 07723 444209 or by email: [email protected].

•3VA: Voluntary Action in Eastbourne, Lewes & Wealden

New community hubs have now opened in every part of East Sussex in response to the coronavirus emergency. These hubs will focus their help on people who do not have an extreme medical condition but are vulnerable because they are isolated from help, too unwell to buy food or have other pressing difficulties.

The hubs will also bring together volunteers, donations and projects to co-ordinate East Sussex’s community response to the virus. To contact the Wealden branch (including Hailsham) call 01323 443322.