"No one should go without"

Saturday 18 April 2020

If you, or someone you know is shielding, or isolating at the moment, help is available so you can get the medication and food needed without leaving home.

St John Ambulance wants to remind everyone that there are volunteers available who can help.

The emergency service is using its army of helpers to run a delivery service for people who can't or don't want to go out to protect themselves, and who don't have any family nearby to help them.

St John Chief Operating Officer, Nikki Harrison said: “Continuing to take regular prescription medication is so important, especially at the moment. No one should go without medication or food. We have become aware that some people are not calling for help when they really need it. We don’t want vulnerable people going out, but equally we don’t want people not getting the essential things they need and then getting unwell in the days to come.

“We’ve also been told about people living alone who may get meals-on-wheels once a day, but not having enough food for breakfast or dinner. We are here to support anyone in the community who needs our help. If anyone is struggling with means to pay as we know this can be an issue with not working or not being able to get to the bank, please reach out as we have funds in place to help. The message is please don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Among the volunteers helping St John are members of the GMTS (Guernsey Motorcycle Training Scheme) who have very kindly volunteered to help with collecting and delivering prescriptions. All GMTS members wear high visibility clothing, have lockable panniers on their motorbikes and carry States of Guernsey ID.

Anyone needing groceries or medication can call 742147.

Pictured top: St John Ambulance recently decorated one of its ambulances with a rainbow which has become the symbol of hope during the lockdown.