ON behalf of the West Wight Coronavirus Support Hub (West Wight Hub), we would like to thank our magnificent community for their response to the emergency.

In fewer than ten days, well over 200 volunteers have been put to work, helping the needy and vulnerable with essential tasks, such as collecting prescriptions and shopping for food.

When the crisis hit,we were asked to lead the relief effort for the area.

The West Wight Coronavirus Support Network is a partnership of many groups, including West Wight churches, Freshwater, Yarmouth and Totland councils, West Wight Time Bank and other groups.

More than 160 very vulnerable and isolated people have contacted us for assistance. Some are very vulnerable and isolated. Our phone line and email have been extremely busy.

Our staff and volunteers have stepped up to this challenge and we have phones manned seven days a week and a team of staff and volunteers co-ordinating the work. Never before has our community pulled together so much to support so many people in desperate need.

We are also providing hot meals, free for those in hardship.

As well as co-ordinating the support across the West Wight, we have set up an extensive programme of online classes. These now include 22 classes this week with more being added.

With no sports centre in operation, we now have no income. We have set up an appeal at tinyurl.com/wkowds9 and have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity.

This fund will help us continue to provide the hub and some financial support to secure the future of the centre.

Our message to all our members, friends and supporters is: Stay safe. We are missing you and can’t wait to see you back in the centre.