MORE than 20 Chard businesses have been thanked after giving up time, money and resources to help supply the town’s vulnerable and in need.

The Chard Covid-19 Group, a team of tireless volunteers, have been providing food, prescriptions and more to residents.

More than 800 people in the Chard area have benefitted from their hard work.

That includes the prescription team handling 500 deliveries every week, and more than 100 hot meals being sent out.

The group works closely with the local branch of The Royal British Legion and other organisations such as The Lord’s Larder to ensure continuity and support across services.

Jason Hawkes, group chairman, said: “Every day we have learnt more about how to best organise all of the support activities that the group carry out.

“Prescription deliveries and shopping were the most commonly requested services and we needed to set up a Prescription Group all on its own to deal with the daily volume of requests.

“We have turned our attention to matching beneficiaries with phone buddies to keep in contact with the outside world which can be a lifeline to isolated individuals or households.

“However, the group is still open both to new volunteers and to those who need our help.”

Chard & Ilminster News:

Andy Webb collection a large food donation

The full list of groups and businesses who have helped is:

  • Alpine Grove Touring Park
  • Aspens
  • Boss Hogs
  • Chard Scouts
  • Flower Pot Bakery
  • In the Bag
  • Holyrood Academy
  • Lentells Chard
  • Manor Court
  • Numatics
  • Oscar Mayer
  • Porthouse Technical Services
  • Proper Job
  • Sainsbury’s
  • SMS Repair Shop
  • South Chard Church
  • St Mary’s Church
  • Tesco
  • The Used Furniture Barn
  • Tracy Berry Travel Agent
  • West Country Butchers

Councillor Jason Baker, mayor of Chard, said “It has been humbling to see such a huge response from our community to this crisis. Without the foresight of the Steering Group, the dedication of the wonderful volunteers and the adaptability of local businesses, none of this could have happened and especially not so quickly and efficiently”.

Numatic retooled part of its production line to make PPE, and gifted some to the volunteers.

The group have received around £650 in donations, which is used to feed the vulnerable. To contact them, call 01460 239567.

Chard & Ilminster News:

The some of the prescription team in action