'Leighton-Linslade Covid-19 Task Force' will provide food parcels to residents in need during Coronavirus crisis

The task force is the result of an initiative by caring Leighton Buzzard mother, Holly Woollard, who set up a Facebook group called the Leighton-Linslade Helpers last Friday.

The aim of the group was to assist those who needed extra help when placing themselves in isolation, and upon hearing the idea, the community was inspired to come together, with the group becoming the 'Leighton-Linslade Covid-19 Task Force'.

Today (March 20), the new group held its second meeting at the town council offices.

Lead co-ordinator, June Tobin, said: "While our front line emergency services are going to be dealing with top level things, there's need for an army of volunteers to support them by carrying out more mundane tasks.

"If an elderly lady can't get out to do her shopping, we will do it for her.

"On the whole, I have never seen such an outpouring of people wanting to help. I've never seen it in my lifetime.

"CBC manages all crisis emergencies. They have seconded - given power - to the town council, i.e. the town clerk, to deliver emergency responses in Leighton-Linslade. "

The 'Leighton-Linslade Covid-19 Task Force' comprises representatives from faith groups, the community, the homeless service, Leighton-Linslade Town Council and Bedfordshire and Luton Emergency Volunteer Executive. They are considering ways of working with local businesses in order to ensure that the supply of food is maintained.

If you personally or know of anyone who is in immediate desperate need, please do contact the Lead co-ordinator June Tobin [email protected] or call 07377 337 543. If they can, the group members will help. Please make clear in your email header reply that 'YOU NEED HELP'.

If you would like to volunteer, please also contact June on the same email address and telephone number. Please include details of where you live, equipment you may have at your disposal (including a motor vehicle you can use), specialist skills (if any) and if you have been DBS checked and can prove it.

Please make clear in your email header reply that 'YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER'.