Coronavirus: Burgess Hill group set up to help elderly and vulnerable

On Friday (March 13), Burgess Hill Helper Army was set up on Facebook and in just four days more than 600 people had joined.

It is aimed at supporting residents in the community who are vulnerable or elderly and those who are self-isolating as a result of COVID-19.

The group is calling for volunteers – whether it be speaking on the phone to someone or delivering food and essentials to someone vulnerable.

Kieran James, 26, told the Middy: “We set up the page on Friday and it just grew and grew. It is overwhelming really, I really didn’t expect it in such a short space of time. It is lovely to see a community spirit come out.

“I like to think if someone is helping my nan out, I am helping their nan out too – it is about helping each other.

“I am quite patriotic. I want to give back to the older generation, for their services to us. I just think this is the right way to go about it.

“We have had a lot of support from Burgess Hill Community Radio and Robert Eggleston, leader of Burgess Hill Town Council, as well as other councillors. I just feel it would have been a much harder road without their support.”

The dad-of-two, who lives in Burgess Hill, said 131 people had already got in touch to say they would like to volunteer.

He said it is hoped the group can help by delivering non-perishable food and essential items – these would be donated goods and only items from a specific list which will be published on the Facebook page.

A regular ‘coffee and chat’ on camera is planned, Kieran said, to support those in isolation who can access the internet. These virtual meetings will be managed and moderated by members of the group who have DBS certification which has been verified, added Kieran.

The group also aims at assisting local organisations who usually rely on older members of the community who may now be self-isolating.

Kieran said people can request assistance, such as needing food, and a member of the admin team will respond and arrange for it to be delivered and any other support using a member of the group who is the nearest and available to help.

There are two phone operators taking calls at the moment, but it is hoped there will be more in the near future, Kieran said.

“We also are here just to talk if someone is feeling lonely in isolation,” added Kieran.

“Self isolation doesn’t have to be completely isolated.”

Robert Eggleston, leader of Burgess Hill Town Council, said the group was a “fantastic community initiative”, adding: “I am very proud of the people of Burgess Hill – that they started this off and it is great.”

He said the town council has agreed people can use the Help Point as a drop-off for food and items.

He said the initiative was not about money, but if people wished to donate money, the council can be a trustee for this.

Councillor Samantha Smith (Dunstall ward) said: “This is a wonderful group of Burgess Hill residents who are all working together to help a community in need.

“We have had offers of donations from Premier Inn, Beefeater and many other companies have also offered help.

“This really shows the spirit of Burgess Hill in this uncertain time and we are certainly grateful to all.”

To join the Facebook group or to find out more, visit www.facebook.com/groups/BHillhelpers.

If you would like to volunteer, you can contact Kieran directly on 07522545840 or Natalie on 07788205708.