A LIFELINE team of volunteers has been thanked for their work after giving their all to support the community and vulnerable residents during the pandemic.

Members of Halstead Town Council’s community volunteers group met town mayor Mick Radley this week to celebrate their efforts over the last 18 months.

The community volunteers group was formed by the council at the start of the pandemic in 2020 in a bid to help vulnerable residents carry out their day-to-day needs.

The council had received calls for help from some residents and so formed the small army of volunteers due to there being no system in place.

The council put out an appeal on social media and its website asking residents to get in touch if they could volunteer or were in need of support.

At its peak, the group had a whopping 40 volunteers who were supporting more than 80 residents. The group is also still going strong today, with the council voting last year to make the volunteer team a permanent fixture in the town.

Members of the Halstead Community Fridge were also recognised. The scheme was vital for some residents during the pandemic, with the food waste-tackling initiative providing a convenient and reliable source of food.

Mr Radley said: “I was really pleased to invite the group of volunteers to an afternoon tea to celebrate, thank and recognise the fantastic work they have done in supporting the community during the pandemic.

“At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic last year a group of community minded volunteers came forward to help deliver essential supplies to residents who were shielding in their homes.

“At the peak there were 40 volunteers supporting over 80 residents. This gave much-needed support to vulnerable residents which I’m sure they greatly appreciated.

“In addition to this, volunteers also ensured that the community fridge was well stocked with food supplies which reduced waste and gave critical supplies to people in need.

“The commitment of this group of volunteers, many of whom are still active today, shows true kindness and dedication to our residents and we thank them so much for their contribution to the community life in our town.”