Community unites as COVID-19 Response Hub launches in Pocklington 

A community Facebook group set up in response to the coronavirus pandemic has grown from a few people to a town-wide network. 

The Pocklington COVID-19 Community Support Group now has well over 100 volunteers providing a daily support network to vulnerable residents across the East Yorkshire market town and 21 surrounding villages. Working in partnership with other local community volunteer groups, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the HEY Smile Foundation, the People’s Pantry and Pocklington Rugby in the Community, a Community Response Hub has now been established to coordinate activities and support right across the local area. 

The Response Hub will act as a point of contact for local community groups to coordinate ongoing assistance efforts whilst providing relevant advice and support during these unprecedented times. The market town and each of the surrounding 21 villages now has a coordinator to ensure that those most in need of help, advice or assistance are getting the support they require. 

Ruth Jackson, who set up the Pocklington COVID-19 Community Support Group with fellow resident Zoe Hodgkin said “since the lockdown, we have heard from a number of residents across the town and surrounding villages who were in need of assistance. The aim of the Facebook group was initially to try and help others where possible and the community response to these calls for volunteer support have been incredible with a large number of residents offering their time and expertise. 

“The community hub now gives us a base from where we can coordinate our activities. Together we are providing help with collecting prescriptions or shopping; providing essential food and household items, dog walking, offering phone buddies for those who feel isolated and education support for parents and children who may need assistance with the school work they have been set to do at home.” 

“In addition, we set up a crowd funding page where all the money raised will be used to support local businesses by ensuring that products are purchased locally, ideally from the towns Independent shops.” 

Working with the community support group is the Pocklington Rugby in the Community (PRITC) charity. Speaking about the town’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Chair of PRITC, Andy Bowden said “during these difficult times it is important that as a local community we work together to support each other. 

“Not everyone has family, friends or neighbours who they can call on for assistance so this local response to supporting these vulnerable people has been fantastic. As a new charity, our aim is to strengthen the local community through activities that promote health and well-being and enhance lives for all so we are only too pleased to offer our full support and resources to the community hub and will support the ongoing work where possible” 

Any individuals in need of help should either call the Pocklington COVID-19 Community Support Group on 01759 740844 or the East Riding of Yorkshire Council dedicated line on 01482 393919.