VIDEO: 650 Rotherham volunteers for coronavirus help scheme

They are helping out with tasks like shopping, collecting prescriptions, dog-walking and connecting people with other services they need.

Council leader Cllr Chris Read packed food and supplies for people in crisis at the Rotherham Heroes Volunteer Programme launch at Riverside House.

There had been 235 requests for assistance as of Wednesday this week — four-fifths of which related to food.

A programme spokeswoman said: “We have delivered food parcels to some people who have been identified by the Government as among the most vulnerable. 

“Once we have delivered a parcel we will work to connect that resident with a volunteer who will then be able to do essential shopping for them.

“As well as responding to requests for assistance from people contacting us via the website and phonecalls, our frontline staff and community are also able to make referrals.

“It is important to say that we can only assist people who have no-one else to help them.”

The volunteers programme is co-ordinated by the Rotherham Community Hub, made up of Rotherham Council, Voluntary Action Rotherham and the Rotherham Together Partnership.

To volunteer or request assistance, visit www.rotherham.gov.uk and follow the Covid-19 links or call 01709 807319.