HUNDREDS of volunteers have teamed up to offer a lifeline to elderly and vulnerable residents marooned at home during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Winsford mum Jo Conchie launched a 'good neighbour' appeal on social media and has been inundated with offers of help.

Middlewich dad Marc Holmes set up a community Facebook page and within hours more than 500 people had signed up.

People are offering to do shopping, collect prescriptions, walk dogs and provide social support through friendly chats on the phone.

Middlewich Town Council is appealing for residents to join a bank of volunteers to deliver shopping to people who are self-isolating.

Anyone wishing to help can email admin@middlewich.org.uk or call 01606 833434.

Businesses are also being asked to help with deliveries.

Jo, 38, a freelance television producer, said: "My priority is to help the elderly and vulnerable. There are a lot of people at high risk who are self-isolating. It could be quite lonely.

"I decided to organise something because I have a legal background and the skills and expertise to do this. I organise and manage big teams with work. Safeguarding and duty of care play a big part in what I had to do."

Jo is appealing for people who have time and suitable skills to become area co-ordinators to manage a team of volunteers who will all be DBS checked.

"We have arranged with a company who will process DBS volunteer applications fast at a reduce rate of £6, " she said. "All volunteers will be provided with photo identification to protect vulnerable people from scammers and opportunists.

"We are setting up partnerships with various community groups, charities, churches, councillors and the police to help identify and support those in need," she said. "People who need help may live alone, have no family and no access to the internet."

Anyone who needs help or can volunteer should visit goodneighbourwinsford.com where you can fill in a form.

Dad-of-three Marc, 49, who works in IT, praised residents Phil Rigden and Heidi Cox who have teamed up to co-ordinate volunteers in Middlewich.

Marc said: "I only set up the page, they came forward with ideas and a plant.They are doing a fantastic job, splitting the town into areas and co-ordinating volunteers. People are offering to help their neighbours.

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"People are comparing it to the war the way that that everyone is helping each other. We are not at war, we will recover but this is bringing out the best in people.

"Hopefully when things are better we will foster social niceness and continue to help each other."

To seek help or volunteer visit Middlewich Covid-19 Neighbour Support on Facebook.