Volunteer Group Doing Fantastic Work !

We’d like to highlight the work of the GBENA Volunteers who have been incredibly busy during this current lockdown.

In fact they’ve been helping local residents since the first lockdown began in March 2020.  Thanks largely to the followers of the Great Baddow East Neighbourhood Association (GBENA) Facebook page, by mid-April the GBENA Volunteer Group had grown to 55 people ! 

A huge leafleting campaign was carried out to let the community know that help was at the end of the telephone. The leaflets, tailored to each neighbourhood, provided the name and mobile number of  a designated volunteer. Local pharmacies and GP surgeries were also contacted to offer assistance.

Initially volunteers shopped for groceries, picked up prescriptions and offered a friendly chat to those who were isolated and alone.

The GBENA Volunteers soon began working in conjunction with UnitedinKind, Essex Coronavirus Action Support, Chelmsford CVS and Great Baddow Parish Council, and received many referrals for help and assistance. Volunteers assisted with more than 1,000 referrals in 2020.

The range of roles has grown and has expanded to include collecting surplus food items (which were part of food parcels) for delivery to the Chelmsford Food Bank and redistribution to those in need, gathering books and DVD’s to give away to others, mowing lawns, shopping for pet food, mailing letters and returned items through the Post Office/courier depots and even conducting doorstep welfare checks on behalf of Essex Welfare Services.

Of course the tightening of the Covid restrictions has forced some changes recently, but even the volunteers who now have to shield at home still provide a telephone lifeline for many local residents. It’s reassuring for vulnerable residents just to receive a regular phone call to check on them.

In August of 2020, the work of the GBENA Volunteers was recognised by Chelmsford CVS and the Mayor of Chelmsford.

We really hope this wonderful local group goes from strength to strength, and is able to continue to assist so many local residents. Should you require help (or would like to volunteer):

GBENA Volunteers

Co leaders

Nichola Deag   07525 132475

Mary Cordeiro 07720 622880