CAMPAIGNERS have formed a community group to help vulnerable people affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

North West Durham Constituency Labour Party Coronavirus Community Assistance.is offering assistance to people who need help as a result of being forced to self-isolate.

The launch of the community assistance group was announced on social media in a Facebook post on Saturday and dozens of people have been contacting the organisers offering their help.

Fiona Nicol, chairwoman of North West Durham Labour Party, said: “We understand that many residents are feeling concerned about the spread of Covid-19 and also the lack of action from the Government and we wanted to do something tangible to assist local people.

“We are therefore offering assistance to all residents across North West Durham, particularly those who are vulnerable or have been told to self-isolate.

“If people need help picking up food, toiletries, baby items, prescriptions, or any other essentials, then we’d be more than happy to help.

“If a resident who lives alone is at risk of becoming socially isolated, we will call them. “We have a team of Labour members who are available in various locations across the constituency who are ready to help those who need it.”

Those in need of help are urged to call the North West Durham Constituency Labour Party Coronavirus Community Assistance hotline on 07885 695929 or email nwdclp.campaigns@gmail.com

Details will then be forwarded on to the volunteer who lives closest to them so that assistance can be offered.

Ms Nicol continued: “Our food banks are also struggling due to the amount of stockpiling we are seeing and we are also asking people who are able to do so to make donations, especially of items such as pasta, long life milk, tinned goods etc, and we will collect those items and drop them off at food banks. Households will be depending on support and we will do what we can to ensure our food banks are able to provide to those who are in need.”