Coronavirus: Bexhill and Battle MP’s praise for residents’ kindness and support during crisis

Facebook groups have already been formed in Bexhill and Battle offering help and support to residents who have been advised to avoid social situations or self-isolate.

The Facebook organisers are hoping that the growing number of volunteers will be on hand to offer friendship and practical support to those who cannot leave their homes over the coming weeks.

In Bexhill the Facebook group is called Bexhill Emergency Action Team and the Battle group is called Battle Emergency Action Response.

Mr Merriman said: “At these critical times, communities really do pull together to support each other.

“It’s great to see that these Facebook groups have been set up to help coordinate the efforts of volunteers in the Bexhill and Battle constituency who want to help their neighbours through this crisis.

“These group members are growing rapidly by the day demonstrating how much people want to help each other, in stark contrast to those over-buying essential items in the local supermarkets.

“I want to publicly thank those who have set up these groups which will help people get through the difficulties and challenges of isolation. I shall be volunteering to help myself.

“I have also contacted all the district, town and parish councils in the area to see what I can do to help the communities they serve.

“I am sure that they will all be wanting to help these community-minded local residents in their efforts to support each other.”

The Bexhill Emergency Action Team (BEAT) has been created to support the vulnerable, elderly and those in self-isolation.

Hannah Corke, the group’s organiser, said anyone who would like to help can join the BEAT Facebook group where there will be advice and assistance.

She said: “This is a real community effort to help those in need. I’d like to thank Rother Voluntary Action, Rother Neighbourhood Watch, Mutual Aid, Huw Merriman and Rother District Council for their help and support with organising things and to all the generous people who have freely offered their time or assistance.”

Some businesses are offering special delivery services a list of which can be found on the BEAT Facebook group, along with links to educational sites with activities for children.

As well as BEAT, people can also can also contact organisations for information or assistance, such as Rother Voluntary Action on 01424 217259, or at [email protected], Rother Neighbourhood Watch on 07983 619622, or [email protected], as well as Bexhill Caring Community at www.bexhillcaringcommunity.org.

For more information on the coronavirus, visit www.rother.gov.uk/coronavirus.

In other news:

Coronavirus: Government introduces emergency measures for Sussex pubs and restaurants.

Coronavirus: Hastings Jack in the Green is cancelled.

Coronavirus: Seven confirmed cases in East Sussex.