Leader thanks volunteers supporting people in need and urges they keep themselves safe too

The Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is offering his thanks to all the volunteers working hard to support others through the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Over the last few weeks community groups and voluntary organisations have been busy helping vulnerable people by providing hot meals and food supplies, arranging shopping deliveries and offering transport to medical appointments.

Councillor Mohammed Khan is keen to ensure groups are getting the right guidance around operating safely – the best way for the Council to co-ordinate this support is for groups to register on Our Lancashire. The Council has a dedicated staff member from the Our Lancashire team who will keep in contact with groups regularly.

Councillor Khan said:

The Council’s priority right now is to support the most vulnerable people in our borough. As we deal with the worst public health crisis in a generation, we have seen an overwhelming response from local people and it is incredibly comforting to know that we have the support of a wealth of wonderful volunteers who give their time and efforts freely to help others. I want them to know, your dedication has not gone unnoticed.

It is so important that these community groups and their volunteers are properly supported and receive up to date government guidance on how to maintain their own safety while looking out for others. The best way is to sign up with Our Lancashire to be included in regular updates and to have a single point of contact at the Council they can go to for help.

Our Lancashire is a county-wide hub for local groups of all kinds. Registering with Our Lancashire is quick and easy to do online at www.ourlancashire.org.uk.

Once registered, voluntary groups will get Working Safely guidance,  the support of a single point of contact and a visit from the Council’s Public Protection team. After that, groups will be issued with a letter from the Council that their volunteers can show to residents who may be concerned about accepting help, or to the Police if they are questioned when they travel as part of their volunteering. They’ll also receive regular government safety updates and food safety guidelines.

To find out more about signing up to Our Lancashire, groups can contact Rob Richards on 07971 061309 or robert.richards@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.

Councillor Khan added:

One of our greatest strengths in Blackburn with Darwen is our community spirit, our kindness and our ability to work together. This is what is helping us to tackle challenges head on to get through this crisis, together.

I applaud our volunteers for their efforts and, on behalf of the borough, offer my thanks. Please keep doing what you’re doing, and remember to look after your own safety too.