WHITEHILL Town Council is to give money to the volunteer Bordon Buddies coronavirus group that has already helped more than 100 local people and families.

Other coronavirus groups helping deal with issues in the town are also invited to ask for help from the councils Community Fund.

Council leader Andy Tree (pictured right) said: “It has £5,000, and we have set aside £1,000 for coronavirus.

“We have decided to support Bordon Buddies and expect to be able to assist with telephone costs, stamps, and other small expenses.”

Bordon Buddies was set up by Sandra Gray to help people and families in the town as the coronavirus crisis got worse.

She said: “More than 140 amazing, selfless local individuals and businesses have volunteered to help those most in need.

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to them all.

“You have given them a lifeline and taken away their need to go outside.

“You are all heroes.

“So far we have spoken to and assisted 109 people and families, and our volunteers have collected prescriptions and food shopping, walked dogs and supported lonely and isolated residents over the phone.”

To volunteer email [email protected] or visit the Bordon Buddies Facebook page.

Anyone self-isolating who needs help can call Bordon Buddies on 01420 377002.

Explaining why Whitehill is backing the ’Buddies, Andy said: "As the grassroots elected body, Whitehill Town Council (covering Whitehill & Bordon) is looking to be the community connector.

"Early last week I emailed other local organisations across Whitehill & Bordon and have had a positive response. We have listed useful organisations on our website www.whitehilltowncouncil.gov.uk.

"I understand that Community First will be co-ordinating an official response in conjunction with East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council, which should be useful as they have paid employees and stability.

"However, at this time they have no helpline to call. Local volunteers under the name ’Bordon Buddies’ have been incredibly successful over the past week.

"Not only have they set up a helpline for people in need, they distributed leaflets around the whole of the town, set up distribution with local taxi first AJL Taxis (who said they were very happy to help and are doing it for FREE) and put together safeguarding processes.

"We thank all those volunteers who are giving their time to help others at this time and we have resolved to help them as best we can with moral support, financial assistance and sending me as a representative to liaise and assist with adhering to legal guidelines.

"It is important to note that we are not overseeing this independent group or responsible for them, but feel we have a moral duty to help and support hard working local volunteers as best we can.

"Creating our direct community benefit fund back in Jan has turned out to be very much the right decision, and we have agreed to set aside up to £1,000 from it for local COVID-19 related causes such as supporting volunteers!"

For information about the council’s Community Fund, email council clerk Lorraine Jeffs at [email protected]

Coronavirus information and advice is also available via the Hampshire County Council helpline ‘Hantshelp4vulnerable’. Call 0333 370 4000.