Leighton-Linslade Helpers celebrate first anniversary in town

Leighton-Linslade Helpers is celebrating its first anniversary this month, after becoming a lifeline for people during the  pandemic and beyond.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Mar 2021, 21:58 BST
Updated 23rd Mar 2021, 09:16 BST
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The team was first formed on March 16 last year to serve the community during the Covid-19 crisis, as it became apparent that those who were self-isolating would need help with activities such as shopping and prescription collection.

The kind-hearted volunteers also provide food parcels, free-cycling, welfare checks, click and collect and marshalling services, as well as offering a friendly ear to the lonely via the Leighton Listeners telephone scheme.

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Reflecting on its achievements, and its future beyond the pandemic, chair Sarah Cursons told the LBO: “We’re super excited. It’s great to see how far we’ve come. What we enjoy the most is seeing people with happy faces, knowing that we’ve made a difference.

Driver Richard Stark; DofE student Isabel Jackson handing out a donation of Muller yoghurts as a ‘Random Act of Kindness’; volunteers Margaret and Andy McShane.Driver Richard Stark; DofE student Isabel Jackson handing out a donation of Muller yoghurts as a ‘Random Act of Kindness’; volunteers Margaret and Andy McShane.
Driver Richard Stark; DofE student Isabel Jackson handing out a donation of Muller yoghurts as a ‘Random Act of Kindness’; volunteers Margaret and Andy McShane.

“We had a woman call us from Wales to refer a family in our town who were self-isolating. People all over the world know about us.

“We are continuing; we’re not going anywhere. We will continue to support everyone and I hope the group will still be going long after I pop my clogs!”

To celebrate their milestone, the Leighton-Linslade Helpers are inviting children to design a special anniversary card for them. Meanwhile, they will be holding their second Big Easter Egg drop on April 4, giving away chocolate that has been kindly donated by businesses and residents.

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The group is also providing support at Leighton Buzzard Covid-19 Vaccination Centre.

Leighton-Linslade Helpers lead co-ordinator June Tobin said: “We’re really excited about our anniversary. I’ve enjoyed getting to know other organisations out there who are responding to emergencies, for instance the Beds and Cambs 4x4 Response unit. When we changed warehouses, they broke us down and moved us in four hours!”

Sarah would like to say a “massive thank you” to all their volunteers, to June, and to the local Scout groups, Leighton-Linslade Town Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and Community Action Bedfordshire, and to all the residents and businesses who have supported them.

She added: “Don’t be frightened and don’t feel you don’t deserve it; everyone deserves to get help. It doesn’t make you a failure, it makes you a stronger person. Please reach out.”

To enter the card competition, email: help@leighton linsladehelpers.org.uk Call: 0300 300 8186.

Donate: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/leightonlinslade-helpers-1st-birthday

Related topics:PeopleWales