A COLLECTION of rural north Cumbrian groups have helped their communities more than 2,000 times throughout lockdown.

The Northern Fells Group, a collection of community groups working in the parishes of Boltons, Caldbeck, Castle Sowerby, Ireby with Uldale, Mungrisdale, Sebergham & Welton and Westward and Rosley have played a major part in keeping the rural communities in these areas going throughout the coronavirus lockdown.

The group, dedicated to combatting rural social isolation and exclusion, helping to alleviate deprivation and helping people to access services in the rural area, has been helping respond to the disruption caused by Covid-19 even before lockdown was put in place.

More than 150 new volunteers have joined the team, with the group's total team size now at 187 people.

The group has been hard at work supporting their communities, particularly those shielding due to age or illness, including delivering meals, picking up shopping and collecting medicine.

The group is also coordinating a “Phone a Friend” telephone tree, ensuring that the most vulnerable community residents receive a phone call every three days to check that they are OK.

They are also issuing information bulletins every three days to users through an email and letter network.

From March 15 to July 12, the group's volunteers and part time staff helped out the local community 2,062, and have answered 560 queries by phone or email.

Geoff Hine, Chairman of the Northern Fells Group said: “The response we have had from the community wanting to help those who have been affected by the virus has been brilliant.

"We are amazed at the number of individuals in our community who have come forward to help and support those who have been affected by the virus and have given their time, energy and ongoing commitment to those who have been housebound and in need.

"This demonstrates the strength of our local community and bodes well for the future.”