A charity that manages a community centre in Mansfield Woodhouse and runs a well-supported clothing bank scheme, has set up a support network to help people in the village during the coronavirus crisis.

The Focus Point Community Support Network was formed by The Peaceful Trust, which said it wanted to help the community during these unprecedented times.

With the help of volunteers from a range of services, district councillors and Co Coun Joyce Bosnjak, the network developed a volunteer and response database, and set up a Facebook group and a dedicated telephone line to help residents of Mansfield Woodhouse.

The centre has remained open (restricted hours) to accept donations for the local Sherwood Forest Food Bank
Coun Bosnjak said: “I am amazed at the selflessness of local volunteers prepared to put themselves at risk to help others.”

The volunteer group has delivered shopping and prescriptions, as well as making friendly phone calls to vulnerable people who have contacted them over the past few weeks — and is continuing to do so.

Along with volunteering in the community, the network has delivered Easter Eggs and meals to those serving on the frontline — paramedics, police, firefighters, and NHS staff at King’s Mill Hospital.

Charlene Burton-Betts, a trustee at The Peaceful Trust, said “We didn’t want anyone in the village to be without support at this challenging time. We couldn’t have done this without the rest of the support network team and I am really proud of what we have achieved so far.”

The network, which is registered on community support hubs runs by Mansfield district and Nottinghamshire county councils, can be contacted on 07311 646758.