COMMUNITIES across the Herald area have joined forces in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, with a healthy number of residents, groups and restaurants banding together to help support those in need.

Numerous groups have been set up on social media, with many volunteers offering services such as completing and delivering shopping, walking dogs, or picking up medication. And while demand is not yet at its highest, the aim is to begin offering the service now before it is too late.

Setting up the Farnham Response Group as a way to give a coordinated response to vulnerable members of the community, Farnham man Keith Roberts told the Herald that he hoped this service would be the best way to “efficiently help during this pandemic”.

Through the response group’s dedicated phone number, those in need can reach a number of volunteers who are available to help. The group also runs a Go Fund Me page, which will be used to support anyone who need supplies but can’t afford them.

Keith said that the long-term aim of the group was to “keep working toward helping vulnerable members of the community, even after the COVID-19 crisis is over”.

Having also launched a Facebook group which has garnered more than 2,300 members, page admin Kate Christie hopes the Farnham and Villages Coronavirus Support Group will help people connect, as it is “all about being proactive”.

“People have already started connecting, the emphasis on meeting the need in your street – because those are the people that you trust,” said Kate.

“People are familiar with each-other, and everyone is letting them know they are there to help.”

“It is really neighbours helping neighbours,” she added.

Various shops and restaurants are now set to offer a delivery service to those in need.

Emma’s at the Sterling Sandwich Shop, located on Castle Street, is offering phone orders for both lunch and tea – free of charge for those in need.

The Mulberry on Station Hill is also offering a takeaway service for those who phone in – with landlord Jon Quelch set to personally deliver the boxes himself.

The Bourne Store is also offering a delivery service of any items they may have in store to those in need – while Sophie at The Holistic Healthcare Group in Crondall is offering a free immunity and lung-strengthening clinic.

With five clinic days operating with both morning and afternoon appointments, people can book for the session online at www.thesurreywellbeingclinic.com