Southwell Torpedos launched to help town's residents in response to the covid-19 crisis

A volunteer group has been created to provide essential help for Southwell residents.

In response to the covid-19 crisis, a group of like-minded volunteers has established a new organisation.

Called Southwell Torpedos ­— an anagram of doorstep ­— the volunteers aim to deliver prescriptions, food and other essentials to vulnerable people.

Torpedos is a community group with insurance for volunteers as well as screening, safeguarding and working procedures so people can have confidence in the team, whether they are in need of help, or are one of the volunteers.

“We have been amazed at the response to our plea for volunteers,” said Torpedos’ chairman Chris Prentice, who thanked the volunteers for their input so far.

“It is incredible what dedicated people can achieve in such a short number of weeks

“ We have recently been awarded grants from Nottinghamshire County Council and The OneStop Shop Community Scheme enabling us to move ahead with more certainty.”

Southwell Town Council’s telephone hub takes initial calls and passes details to the Torpedos team.

So far, they have delivered more than 400 requests for prescriptions and food.

“It’s getting busier each week,” said Chris. “We are now in a position to respond very quickly to all the jobs that come our way.”

Torpedos works closely with Turtle Doves, The Hearty Goodfellow’s soup delivery run service, and hopes to expand their efforts.

They have also partnered with Southwell Live At Home Scheme, which assists with older people who want to live independently in their own homes.

Lyn Harris, town council chairman, said: “We are so grateful to them all.

“Together, the volunteers in all these organisations are a sign of the true community spirit we have here in Southwell.”

Anyone in the Southwell area who needs help from the service, or knows someone who does, should call 01636 330005.

For more information on the scheme go to the website www.the torpedos.org