Become a community hero and volunteer with Sandy All In Together during pandemic

The dedicated group has been helping the community since the start of the first lockdown, offering shopping services as well as prescription drop-off, collection and delivery.

As demand for SAIT has recently increased now families must stay home once more, the team is looking for volunteers to help out during the country's hour of need.

Central Bedfordshire Councillor and founding member of SAIT, Caroline Maudlin, said: "When we went into the Tiers our need started coming up again. We were probably getting a couple of calls per day before Christmas and since the lockdown it's increased - I had about six calls on Tuesday. Some people needed packages picking up and others needed emergency supplies.

"You never know when you might need help and there's so many benefits to being part of the group. You get to know more residents in Sandy and they key thing is you might only be needed once a week; so if you can only spare just one hour please come and help us."

SAIT was the brainchild of NHS key worker Mark Richardson, and Kevin Reynolds, who both wanted to make sure that vulnerable and isolating residents weren't left to struggle alone during the first lockdown.

Determined to provide a lifeline, they joined together with local residents, churches, and councillors, who helped them establish SAIT and spread the word.

Kevin said: "Mark started the Facebook SAIT in March 2020. At the same time I was seeking to see initially via St. Swithun's Church what we could practically do to support the community.

"We combined thought processes on Friday 20th March and asked experienced leaders to 'physically' meet that evening. The rest is well known."

Caroline added: "We have really built up our relationship with lots of people along the way, and have got to know about their families and what they have been up to.

"If people are struggling, we can also signpost them towards The Need Project."

SAIT were keen to help families in need at Christmastime, so they used their Christmas tree at Sandy Parish Church as a way of encouraging donations.

Residents could pick up a bauble which featured the name of a child and a gift that they would like, and then leave the present at the church in time for it to be donated at Christmas.

They group received some emotional thank yous from the parents, with one lady stating: "Thank you so much for bringing round the presents. I was overwhelmed and even had a little cry. From mother to mother, thank you from the bottom of my heart."

SAIT would like to say a huge thank you to Sandy Good Neighbours, pharmacies, local businesses, and Sandy Fire Station firefighters and volunteers for all their support.

Caroline added: "An enormous thank you our volunteers past and present for caring so much about Sandy and helping people.

"Any more help would be marvellous!

"We'd like to remind our residents that we are still here for them, especially if they find themselves isolating and needing help."

If you need assistance from SAIT or you would like to volunteer, please call: 07523 339193.

If no-one answers, please be assured that you will receive a call back (there is currently no voicemail system).

You can also find out more on the group's Facebook page. Search: Sandy - All In Together (covid19)