York’s first community hubs prepare to open – staffed by volunteers

Ten community hubs are preparing to open in York as part of the city’s response to the coronavirus crisis.

Located at strategic points across the city, they will be staffed by council workers and some of the 2,000-plus volunteers who have signed up to help.

The hubs will deliver assistance to residents already identified as clinically vulnerable and to others who have no other source of help.

Selected volunteers have been given online training “to ensure vulnerable people get the support they need in a co-ordinated and safe way”.

Council leader Keith Aspden said:

• The response we have received from residents and businesses to volunteer and help support vulnerable members of our community has been overwhelming and truly reflective of the character of our city.

  With the first community hubs now open, we are accelerating and targeting support at vulnerable people across the city, whether that be food or medicine for residents self-isolating.

Those volunteers who haven’t been called on yet are asked to be patient. “We value your support and the council will likely call on you in the coming weeks or months,” said Cllr Darryl Smalley, executive member for culture, leisure and communities.

People keen to help and volunteer are being asked to sign up to [email protected] or call 01904 551550, or go to www.york.gov.uk/COVIDVolunteering