A beauty therapist in Consett has set up a volunteering group to help support the local community during the lockdown.
Amy Vella, Managing Director of Imago Beauty and Holistics, set up The Corona Vulnerable People and Volunteers ( Consett ) group to provide support to key workers and those in isolation.
The group is separated into several smaller groups to meet the different needs of people in the community, including a Friendly Chat service for those who are feeling alone during the pandemic.
There are 24 volunteers who are available for a chat for anyone feeling lonely or in isolation.
Val McFarlane, who leads the Friendly Chats Group, said: " People are contacting us and getting a phone call from one of our volunteers within minutes.
"We then stay in touch with the person and will continue to do this throughout the crisis, offering support and a friendly chat/text whenever they need it so they don’t feel so alone.”
The group also providing entertainment, gardening groups, and activity packs to keep local people entertained during the lockdown.
The group has helped over 2,000 people in the area, by providing food, prescription collection, or a friendly phone call.
Amy quickly got the group of volunteers together after she had to close up her shop due to government restrictions at the start of the outbreak.
"Our 290 volunteers have been working flat out to help others and include medical staff, counsellors, psychologists and lots of other professions and skills.
"I was overwhelmed by the response from the community to help me. We have managed to get food parcels to people who cannot get out of their homes, and have no-one around to help them out.
"We also help with childcare for key workers, mental health support and even pet care and dog walking so no-one misses out.”
The group are appealing for donations of the following items; Elastic, Children’s Arts and Crafts materials, printer paper, colouring books and bags for life.
The group are receiving food and money donations from Durham County Council, local businesses and a GoFundMe page you can donate to here.
