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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Letters

Neighbourliness in the coronavirus age

whatsapp icons gathered in groups
‘Every postcode should have its own WhatsApp (or similar) group,’ writes Rob Tresidder. Illustration: Jo Raynsford/Guardian Design

Joan Langrognat wrote movingly (Letters, 3 July) of the plight of her sister, who was unable to secure a delivery slot from a local food retailer. There are too many stories like this. What of her neighbours?

Every postcode should have its own WhatsApp (or similar) group. This is very easy to set up. It just takes one person to print an A5 flyer and distribute to approximately 50 homes. In mine we had a response from nearly two-thirds of households.

Those unable or unwilling to use this technology rely on a phone to contact the group administrator or a nearby neighbour, who can then whistle up help through the group.

It’s just reformatting old-fashioned neighbourliness into the digital age.
Rob Tresidder
Wirksworth, Derbyshire

• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com

• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters

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