Coronavirus: A list of groups and services in Bury St Edmunds designed to help those in isolation
Residents and businesses in Bury St Edmunds have stepped up to the plate to help those in need after the latest coronavirus guidelines brought life as we know it to a halt.
Boris Johnson, the prime minister, announced on Monday that elderly people and those with underlying health conditions which put them at increased risk should be ‘shielded’ for 12 weeks to avoid the spread of Covid-19. He also advised against all ‘non-essential’ social contact, leaving pubs, clubs, theatres and restaurants facing an uncertain future.
Below is a list of groups and services which have been set up to help those who are facing weeks stuck in their homes.
The Howard estate community volunteer group
The Howard estate’s group, organised by Hazel Stenson, is based around a designated phone number which those in isolation can call if in need of help.
Hazel will then post the request in a volunteers WhatsApp group, which currently has 19 members, and someone who is able to take on the job will do so.
“We have had leaflets printed out and volunteers will be going out to every house to post them so that people know that there is the offer of help there,” said Hazel.
The volunteers, 13 of whom are DBS-checked, will drop any shopping bags at the door of the person in isolation - a precaution to stop any possible spread of the virus.
And its not just those who need food or supplies that the group seeks to help.
“We will happily go out and get shopping or other things someone might need but we’re also here if someone is feeling lonely and needs to chat,” said Hazel.
“This could be a very lonely time for a lot of people and we want them to know that we are here ready to help them, comfort them and care for them in any way we can.”
The scheme is being funded by the Howard Estate Association of Residents and Tenants, meetings of which have been cancelled until further notice.
Ernie Broom, who is chairman of both the residents’ association and the estate’s Over 60s Club, is one of those in the high-risk category due to his age.
He said: “I’ve always worked to get the community together but I can’t get out anymore to do it. It’s lovely to know there’s others out there wanting to bring everyone together at times like these.”
Bury Baby Bank Hub
New and expecting mothers have also been thrown a lifeline after the Bury Baby Bank Hub launched a new delivery service to ensure they have everything they need.
Some of these mums are having to self isolate or could have vulnerable children. We want them to know that this service is here for them should they need it. - Emma Murrows
Katrina Rose, who runs the hub, said she has been inundated with calls from mothers desperate to get their hands on baby formula and nappies.
"People are panic buying and that means loads of parents are going without," she said.
"Money is really really tight and I know that parents who wouldn't usually need our services will be struggling. Anyone in that position can ring me and no questions will be asked - I will try to help everyone I can."
Emma Murrows, who has volunteered to help Katrina deliver items to mothers, said: “It’s clear that due to this new situation, there will be many more mums in a difficult position and unable to get or pay for all the supplies their babies will need.
"I'm a mum of two and I can only imagine how new mothers are feeling. I want to do anything I can to help them."
The hub is currently in need of stage one baby formula. Those wishing to donate or use the service can call Katrina on 07584563696.
“Some of these mums are having to self isolate or could have vulnerable children. We want them to know that this service is here for them should they need it,” said Emma.
Gatehouse
Gatehouse has issued a ‘massive thank you’ to the community after the Bury St Edmunds charity received an ‘influx’ of food this week.
Chief executive Amanda Bloomfield said there had been a ‘small increase’ in demand for food parcels which she expected to increase if the crisis deepened.
“As we go through the crisis situation more and more people are going to rely on the foodbank particularly those who are elderly and vulnerable,” she said.
“The increase in donations has really touched us and we’re really grateful to those who want to support Gatehouse and enable us to get through the other side because as with all small businesses and charities, we’re at risk in the financial situation.”
Day and respite services at the charity’s dementia hub will ‘remain open for as long as possible’.
If they have to close, Amanda plans to run a telephone befriending service to ensure those living with dementia and their carers are supported throughout the isolation period.
Food items can be donated at Waitrose, the Co-op in Out Risbygate and Gatehouse in Dettingen Way.
They are also appealing for financial donations in case they need to obtain food stocks from other sources. Visit localgiving.org/charity/gatehouse/
CASA Restaurant
Maria Broadbent, owner of CASA restaurant in Risbygate Street, has created her own meal delivery scheme for those stuck at home.
The scheme will see Maria deliver a two-course hot lunch to vulnerable people for £8 a day, with discounted offers available for more days and additional items.
"Many old and vulnerable people are going to be stuck at home without a way of getting good nutritious food, especially as supermarkets are running out of a lot of stuff," she said.
I've made peace with the fact we'll lose money but we can't let those at home lose faith. - Maria Broadbent
"This scheme will let people know that there is good, hearty food available to them and will hopefully show them that we care about them and will do all we can to help them.
“This is going to keep me and my staff out of mischief and really help the people who just need a bit of extra help."
Maria is also introducing a ‘voucher for another’ scheme which will allow people to pay for meals for those who may struggle to do so for themselves, who will be referred by the NHS or charities.
There will be a set menu everyday and orders need to be made by 4pm the day before.
For more information and to place an order, visit casabse.co.uk/meals-on-wheels/
ICE Café and Infusions Group
Bury-based wholesalers the Infusions Group, which provides stock to various restaurants and hotels, has also come up with a plan to help those who have fallen victim to panic-buying and stockpiling.
The contents of its warehouse in Lundy Court is now open to the public through a new click and collect scheme.
Sarah Stamp, owner, said: “We have a warehouse full of things that are no longer needed by the businesses we serve and that we know a lot of people are in need of.
"This is a situation none of us have ever been through before so we just want to make sure that, as a small family business, we are continuing to serve our community through this difficult time."
To buy, visit infusions4chefs.co.uk.
The group’s Ice Café is also offering a takeaway service for those who do not want to sit in and eat.
The takeaway service will be a click and collect system and the café is also offering to deliver to those who are self-isolating at home.
To order, visit www.icecookschool.co.uk
The Tavern on St John's
The Tavern, in St John’s Street, is now offering a takeaway menu as well as their newly-launched takeaway Sunday roasts offer.
Customers who do not wish to sit in the restaurant can place an order over the phone or in person from the menu which can be found at www.tavernbse.co.uk
Chris Nichols, co-owner, said: "It was really important for us to adapt as quickly as possible and we are very lucky to have such loyal customers.
"We want people to be able to enjoy our food even though they've been told not to come in.
"Although our restaurant and kitchen are very clean anyway, we understand that during this time people may not want to come in so we just hope this gives them another option that lets them stay in touch with us and continue to support us."
Craig Turner - personal trainer
With leisure centres to close later today, a Bury St Edmunds personal trainer is also planning to hold outdoor exercise sessions to help people keep up their fitness levels.
Craig Turner, who works at Abbeycroft Leisure Centre, said that, if the centre closed, he would offer both individual and group sessions in return for a donation.
“It will be a case of pay whatever you want – I don’t mind if you can only afford a pound,” he said.
"The Government has said how important it is for people to keep exercising during this time and I know there will be a lot of people who will be keen to keep their fitness levels up.
"This gives them an option to keep active during a time when people might need it most."
To take part, call Craig on 07725971440 or email craigturnerpersonaltrainer@gmail.com.
The Chestnut Group
The Chestnut Group, which runs The Northgate, in Northgate Street, Bury, has also launched a takeaway service, with its menus available from each of its properties’ websites.
A spokesman said: "We believe we have an important role to play in these uncertain times. So whether we can provide fresh air and a safe haven away from the difficult period we are entering, or simply a home cooked meal you can eat in the comfort of your own home, we hope you can continue to support us."
Visit www.thenorthgate.com/take-out to place an order.
Maison Bleue
Maison Bleue in the town is also giving residents the chance to still celebrate Mothers’ Day in style, with a new pre-order and collect system.
A spokesman said: “We wanted to do something to support our long-standing customers during this difficult time. Serving good food is our way of caring and sharing friendship, there’s nothing like a good meal to lift your spirits”
The menu is on the restaurant's Facebook page and all orders must be made by 12pm on Saturday.
To order, call 01284 760623.
