AN 82-year-old Grays woman has spoken of her gratitude to borough residents who have been keeping her supplied with food and essential items courtesy of the Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action Volunteers!

The action group is a partnership led by Thurrock Council, Stronger Together and Thurrock CVS, working with local organisations to safely coordinate support and volunteers.

As part of its policy of keeping people informed about its work the action group has been issuing regular briefings. In its latest the group says there have been 913 requests for help, amounting to an estimated 4,109 hours of voluntary time.

The briefing continued: "In previous weeks we've heard from volunteers and read their stories, and this week, we're delighted to introduce you to Pamela, who has been helped by our volunteers and was happy to share her thoughts.

"Pamela is 82 and comes from Grays. After calling 01375 511002 and requested some support she said: "I was taken back to find somebody at the end of my drive saying 'Take care!' with a friendly smile so quickly.

"Pamela lives at home by herself. She's independent, drives and has a great group of friends and neighbours.

"Recently, one of the TCCA volunteers, Graham, dropped off some shopping to her.

She explained: "My neighbours are elderly themselves, and where they are encountering their own chest infections and health struggles, I didn't want to ask them to help.

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"I've got quite bad arthritis, which means I find queueing extremely difficult – like when I need to go to the pharmacy and shops."

"I'd like to say a big thank you to everybody for the work you are all doing. I'm amazed at the kindness that's been shown here in Thurrock and all around the country.

"It can make such a difference just to see a friendly face, or get a thumbs up from someone outside your house. Thank you all for being so wonderful.

"I'm very lucky to have a nice garden, and I sit outside listening to the bees and birds. I think it's lovely when the sun is out to just sit and listen when you're feeling stressed.

"It is such a comfort to know there is help."

Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action line (01375 511002) is open Monday – Sunday, 9am-5pm to help vulnerable residents during lockdown who are self-isolating that are in need of extra support with prescription collection, essential food shopping, welfare calls etc.