West Norfolk community rallies round to help others in coronavirus crisis

Good Samaritans across the borough have been rallying round to help others, as the coronavirus reached West Norfolk last week.

Businesses and individuals are offering their help to the most vulnerable in the community, at a time when reports suggest people are struggling to find essential items, and ahead of an expected Government announcement that over 70s will be asked to stay at home for a number of weeks.

It comes after Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital confirmed on Saturday that three people had tested positive for Covid-19.

Numerous businesses and individuals have started offering to help those in need, and a Facebook group called Angels of King’s Lynn was set up over the weekend, to share local information to those in the area.

The group says its first aim is to compile a directory of local businesses who will deliver goods to households, but it also has a supplies group to help make hampers for those “desperately in need”.

The directory – which will be updated regularly – can now be found on the Facebook page, and posters which detail the directory are available to collect and distribute from Prontaprint on St James Street in Lynn.

Jo Reynolds, who co-founded the group alongside Kerry Robinson, said the idea came about as they wanted to support those who might otherwise “fall through the cracks”.

“So many people are feeling ‘what on earth can I do’ because this is bigger than all of us, but it’s a really nice thing to be involved in,” she said.

So far, Jo said the response has been “absolutely astounding”.

“It’s amazing to see a community coming together in such desperate times,” she added.

“We want local people shouting about whatever it is they are doing to help.”

Meanwhile, Rustic Warehouse, based at Fox’s Lane in Lynn, and Vets One Group, based in Crimplesham, said they were joining together in a bid to help others.

They said: “If anyone that’s local to us, Downham Market, King’s Lynn or surrounding areas, need help with anything, we will give it our best shot.

“If you’re struggling for food, general supplies, medicine and can’t get out or everywhere has sold out of what you need, message us and we will do our best to help.

“If we can’t then we will put a post up on here to try and get you the help you need.

“Our aim is for people to understand there is a community out there that are willing to pull together to help.”

And Smiths the Bakers, on Lynn High Street, said delivery is available on a pre-order basis and within Lynn for over 70s “during these current difficult times”.

Anyone who wants more information from Smiths the Bakers should call 01553 279445.

There has also been a call to support small, independent businesses in the area.

In a post on Facebook, WaffleOpolis, on Saturday Market Place, thanked their team of staff and customers for showing support, and added: “We are a small independent and still only a few months old, so like many very vulnerable.

“We are however made of tough stuff and will never surrender. Please support your local independents.”