WESTBURY’S COMMUNITY SPIRIT DURING PANDEMIC “SHOULD BE TREASURED”
WESTBURY’s mayor, cllr Mike Sutton, has praised volunteers and residents for their efforts in helping those in need during lockdown, saying the town “can face the future with pride and energy”.
One year on from the start of the crisis, Cllr Sutton told White Horse News, “It is often said that adversity often brings out the best in people and the way that so many people in Westbury came together this past year to help the needy and vulnerable has been magnificent.
“We can treasure the community spirit that saw so many people volunteer to pack or deliver food boxes, to man the phones helping the vulnerable or needy and even now assisting in the local vaccination programme.”
Cllr Sutton said although many communities now have volunteer groups it is widely recognised that Westbury was one of the first to be up and running.
“The town council can help by providing a platform for volunteers but ultimately it is the people of Westbury that deserve the greatest praise,” cllr Sutton added. “I should also like to recognise and thank all those individuals and businesses that donated money or goods.
“Westbury can face the future with pride and energy.”
2,700 food parcels
During the past 12 months in response to the pandemic, Westbury Town Council reallocated the roles of some of its staff members and volunteers to enable shopping and prescription collections and delivery, and even provided dog walking services for those isolating.
Town clerk, Deborah Urch, said, “The support to the community has been constant, with some of the most vulnerable families continuing to receive food boxes. These healthy food boxes are currently being delivered to 57 families in Westbury on a Monday and Thursday. Over 2,700 food boxes have been delivered since March 2020, with 35 volunteers tirelessly supporting this project.”
By working in partnership with Wiltshire Council, Crosspoint and White Horse Ministry, the town council was able to provide the support needed to provide for its community; this included an Easter surprise and Christmas parcels being delivered to many local families in a safe and secure way.
“In addition, a Neighbourhood Line was established in partnership with Link to offer a point of contact and a listening service, and this is now being provided by the White Horse Ministry.”
Deborah told White Horse News, “Since February, we have been helping the Shaunak’s vaccination site by coordinating the volunteers needed. There are 37 dedicated volunteers who have come forward to stand in the rain, cold and the occasional sunshine to assist.
Amazing work
“The town council could not have done any of this amazing work without the support given by volunteers, partners and the generous donations received from individuals, organisations and local businesses.”
Westbury charity, Crosspoint, has offered counselling, help and advice and food packages services to those in need.
Kevin Fairman from Crosspoint said, “In the last 6 months, through increased grant funding provided by the town council, Westbury Area Board, Albert Hunt Trust and Herman Miller Cares, we have been able to take on more than 20 new adult clients to support.
“This is significantly more than has been the case historically, with people obviously struggling during the Covid lockdowns. The main issues that clients are presenting with are: anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties and low self-esteem.”
Kevin said since the first lockdown the charity had provided a service to over 100 people. “This has been primarily via phone/email but when possible we have seen clients face to face in a safe environment at Crosspoint,” he said.
“We have dealt with a wide range of issues including assistance with forms, helping people check their benefit entitlement and providing information to people who are unable to access it for themselves. When it is an issue we are unable to help with, we direct the client on to another organisation that can.
“The town council’s food project volunteers continue to operate out of Crosspoint’s office. This arrangement is expected to continue until the summer, when the council’s plans for the volunteers to set up a Westbury Food Bank will result in them relocating to more suitable premises. It is at this time that we hope Crosspoint will be able to re-open fully.”
