A hotline to coordinate the hundreds of volunteers in Bath and North East Somerset who have stepped up to help people amid the coronavirus crisis is about to be launched.
James Carlin, who runs 3SG
Little more than a week ago, 3SG was a one-person operation led by James Carlin but “bizarre timing” meant it was well placed to act.
The outbreak started to escalate just as the charity was launching Compassionate Communities, an initiative encouraging people to look out for one another that he hopes will change society for the better.
“I’ve been getting calls day and night,” said dad-of-two James. “One day I was on the phone for seven hours.
“3SG was just a one-person operation until 10 days go. Now, we’ve got six full-time volunteers and almost 2,000 connectors.
“The timing was bizarre. We had Compassionate Communities ready and waiting to go when people needed it.
“It’s become this virtual community. That’s been really unexpected.
“It’s providing people with something positive every day. People are finding out they live in the same street and didn’t know each other.
“It should be laying some groundwork for the community when this is finished. That could genuinely make our community a lot better.”
The charity’s plans are evolving every day but James said it will continue to nurture that grassroots movement and give training to volunteers.
It will mobilise the existing skills and resources of the council, education providers, healthcare, the third sector, faith community, businesses and residents, and match them with volunteers.
The hotline will officially launch on Monday.
Bath and North East Somerset Council has praised the efforts of James and 3SG.
A statement on its website says: “During this difficult time, we want to make sure that our residents look out for one another to help everyone to stay safe and healthy.
“Our community and voluntary sectors are playing a key role and we’re working hard to provide up-to-date health information and advice to these organisations.
“Offering support and thinking of one another makes neighbourhoods and communities stronger together.
“This is particularly important for those who are more vulnerable and isolated.”
Visit www.3sg.org.uk for information on how you can help.
Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter
You can find the latest coronavirus information, advice and community updates for the Bath & North East Somerset area on our dedicated live blog here.
