AS the coronavirus sweeps across the globe, communities across the Winchester district and beyond are working to ensure the most vulnerable and those who are self-isolating are looked after.

People have been offering their support to collect vital supplies and medication for those in quarantine and making sure they don’t feel alone.

A community led group, Mutual Aid - Winchester area, has been set up with the aim to help people find and offer assistance to those who are isolated or vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis.

Offers to deliver shopping for strangers, retrieve much-needed medication and to walk dogs.

Clare Huggett-Smith, from the group, said: “We will be making contact with local churches, charities and community groups to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of our network.

“We would also encourage people to connect their local community with the group, for example by highlighting the needs of elderly neighbours. We would also welcome help from local businesses, and invite them to join the group and assist in any way they can.”

To find the group on Facebook search ‘Mutual Aid - Winchester area’ or for requests for help email winmutualaid@gmail.com.

The village of of Hursley was praised in the House of Commons this week by Winchester MP Steve Brine as its community shop and post office is offering support to parishioners self-isolating or those who are elderly or vulnerable.

They will be delivering groceries and supplies to homes and helping in other ways such as collecting prescriptions.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Brine said: “I’ve worked closely with the team in Hursley as the shop came to life and was thrilled to attend its official re-opening last summer. A crisis often shows society at its best and Hursley are rising to the challenge so they thoroughly deserved their mention in Parliament. Thank you to all the volunteers involved.”

A Winchester taxi firm is also doing its bit to help those who are self-isolating, especially the elderly and those at high risk.

Wintax Cars say it has “recognised the difficulty experienced by the communities during the coronavirus outbreak.”

A spokesperson said: “So to help as a gesture of goodwill the management, staff, and drivers have decided to offer free prescription deliveries from chemists to the elderly in the communities who may be isolated due to the outbreak.”

The company has said that the cost of the taxis would be covered by them, however it is also ask local communities to use the firm to “help to fund the free journeys provided”.

And Iceland in Middle Brook Street, Winchester, has announced that it is now running shopping sessions for OAPs only between 9am and 11am so “they will be able to buy their goods”. A notice on the store’s window said: “Please be respectful of this decision. We thank you for your cooperation.”

Swanmore Parish Council has also offered its support to those self-isolating or in need of assistance during the current epidemic.

A number of residents have already volunteered to help with essential shopping, chats over the phone, and other support, with the parish council saying it is happy to coordinate efforts.

And another support group has been set up on Facebook entitled ‘coronavirus support group Bishop’s Waltham/Swanmore and surrounding areas’, “in hope that we can come together as a community to support each other with whatever might happen’. l Do you know a group or a business who is helping those in self-isolation? Let us know by emailing sophie.day@hampshirechronicle.co.uk.