Coronavirus is a threat, unparalleled in modern times: one which has demonstrably affected everyone in our country, showing little regard for age, sex or creed.
However, in the face of such a monumental challenge, the best in our communities is brought out. The NHS Samaritans service received 250,000 offers of help overnight and has now reached over three quarters of a million volunteers since. Local businesses have also stepped up to the mark, including several of our own fine establishments, here in Bishop Auckland. Whether it is putting together food parcels; continuing to provide crucial services, or ensuring food is delivered to our most vulnerable community members, everybody is playing their part.
The MP for Bishop Auckland, Dehenna Davison, and her team, have been determined to respond to the crisis in their own way and, most fundamentally, ensure that nobody is left behind or forgotten about. Not being able to leave the house has meant that previously simply tasks, such as collecting a prescription or doing grocery shopping, has become very challenging overnight. This has left many residents, especially elderly people, unsure of where to turn and understandably worried. Bishop Auckland Coronavirus Angels (BACA) is a volunteering organisation, established by Dehenna and her Team, to give a vital lifeline to those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in difficulty at this time. Whether it be a weekly shop, or something as small as collecting a prescription from the local pharmacy, the BACA Scheme will rise to the challenge.
To date, BACA has received scores of calls for help and we are proud to say that everybody who has requested assistance has received it (on the same day, in most instances). This would not be possible without our extraordinary volunteers, who truly have gone above and beyond to help their community. One occasion of particular note was a volunteer making a trip to and from Darlington Hospital, in order to pick up crucial medical equipment for an elderly lady with a severe health condition. It is selfless actions like this which are at the heart of BACA’s activities, and it is heartwarming to see the willingness to help of so many community members, with over 80 people signing up in a very short space of time.
The challenge is indeed great, and this will only intensify over the coming weeks. However, Dehenna and the Team intend to rise to that challenge, championing the ambition that, during this crisis: nobody in Bishop Auckland will go without.
If you are currently isolated in your home and are in need of help with shopping, prescriptions, or anything else one of our volunteers might be able to help with, please call 01388 342 022, or email [email protected]. The Team will be more than happy to help you in any way they can.
