ORGANISERS of a community group for vulnerable people during the coronavirus crisis have praised volunteers for rallying together to help others.

Manningtree residents Debbie Burrows and Julie Thomas recently launched a Facebook group, called Covid-19 Mutual Support Manningtree, to help vulnerable residents of the community.

Mrs Thomas, 53, of Wignall Street, said she started the group because she knew other people would be in her position, classed as vulnerable due to health reasons.

A 24-hour helpline service has also been set up for residents who need help, after a technology company, called Mushroom, donated a telephone app system.

Miss Burrows, of Oxford Road, said the group now has more than 20 people who have volunteered to help since it started.

“Since lockdown started, we have been busy providing a service to our community and we would like to thank our volunteers for everything they have done so far,” she said.

“We are truly blessed to have so many genuinely caring people in our community.

“Out of all this uncertainly and distress we are proud of how our community has rallied together to help those who need it the most.”

The volunteers have done a variety of activities for vulnerable residents, including delivering their food shopping and prescriptions.

She added: “We have been contacted by people who live far away from our area, but whose parents still live here, and they were so worried that they weren’t able to be there for them.

“But knowing we are around if they need us has bought them a lot of comfort.”

The group is registered with Essex County Council and has informed Tendring Council of its activities.