COVID-19: Voluntary Groups and Volunteering Opportunities in Hailsham

During the past few weeks, a number of community organisations and voluntary associations have set up dedicated groups and channels during the COVID-19 outbreak which provide assistance to the vulnerable, elderly or disabled in the Hailsham area, whether ot be mental health support, drop-off and pick-up services, food delivery or shopping.

Here is a list of some of the groups and voluntary organisations published on the Hailsham Town Council website that you can contact to receive or offer your support.

Hailsham Crisis Support

Sunflowers Mental Health & Well-Being CIC  is managing the Facebook group ‘Hailsham Crisis Support’, which welcomes volunteers to help support the vulnerable and elderly in Hailsham and surrounding rural areas during this difficult time. If anyone wants to lend a helping hand or is in need of this service please get in touch and email at sunflowersproject@outlook.com. For more information visit their Facebook page.

Hailsham Community Hub (SCDA)

The Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA) is working hard to ensure they minimise any risks of Covid-19 to the people who access their services, staff and volunteers.  They are following the latest guidance from the Government to ensure their staff, volunteers and service-users stay safe and healthy. Hailsham Community Hub continues to maintain its service delivery where possible and is adapting delivery so that they can continue to help local people.  For further information, send an email.

Community Food Hub

The King’s Head Cacklebury is operating a temporary Community Food Hub to help locals to obtain essential supplies. The pub’s existing wholesalers continue to supply with fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, cheese, eggs, cleaning products, toiletries, tinned products and dry foods. Please send orders and enquiries to helen@kingsheadcacklebury.co.uk. If your call is not answered in time, please leave a message with your phone number and they will call you back. Once your order has been put together, you will be contacted by Community Food Hub for payment by card over the phone and to arrange safe collection.

NHS Care Packages

A small community organisation based in Hailsham and set up by a trio of volunteers who play for Hailsham Cricket Club, NHS Care Packages is working to source and deliver basic grocery packages to the healthcare staff who live in the local area. They are providing packages to NHS staff for free to help out and make their lives a little easier during this pandemic. If you or anyone you know works within the NHS and requires this service, please email harrychatfield@hotmail.co.uk. Please provide proof of employment in the NHS, an address and delivery times which work for you. Funding donations to https://www.gofundme.com/f/hailsham-nhs-care-packages.

3VA: Voluntary Action in Eastbourne, Lewes & Wealden

New community hubs have now opened in every part of East Sussex in response to the coronavirus emergency. These hubs will focus their help on people who do not have an extreme medical condition but are vulnerable because they are isolated from help, too unwell to buy food or have other pressing difficulties. The hubs will also bring together volunteers, donations and projects to co-ordinate East Sussex’s community response to the virus. To contact the Wealden branch (including Hailsham) please phone 01323 443322 or find out more here.

Care for the Carers

Care for the Carers is the Carers’ Centre for unpaid carers in East Sussex. At this difficult time, they are working hard to make sure that unpaid carers feel supported and connected and have the information to care safely during coronavirus. The Carers’ Hub is open virtually from 10am-5pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) via phone (01323 738390) or text (07860 077300). Alternatively, send an email or visit their Facebook page. Specific information on caring during the coronavirus outbreak is available via this link.

Town Mayor Cllr Paul Holbrook said: “I am extremely grateful to the many local community groups, voluntary organisations, businesses and individuals who are offering local deliveries, pick-ups, drop-offs and even those checking on or caring for people who are self-isolating, elderly or more vulnerable to the virus. I am truly amazed by the response of you all to the coronavirus crisis.”

“As you know, COVID-19 continues to spread in our community and, in this time of crisis, regular communication with residents – in addition to local businesses, voluntary organisations and community stakeholders – is critical.”

“Please continue to help anyone you may think is in need, whether it be simple tasks like shopping and collecting medication for those who are vulnerable or self-isolating. But, at the same time, please do heed the advice we have been given by the Government concerning social distancing. Don’t put yourselves and others at risk. We are all a part of the solution to this pandemic.”