TO mark Volunteers’ Week, which runs until Sunday, Hambleton Community Action is thanking its 150-plus volunteers for their time and dedication over the past year in delivering services to the community.

Its volunteer-led services include a community car scheme, shopping services, befriending and carers’ respite sitting services and social activities.

In addition to its usual services, in March, at the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, the charity had to rapidly mobilise and tackle unmet needs in the local community.

Since then, Hambleton Community Action Covid-19 pandemic volunteers have completed nearly 200 prescription collections and deliveries to those unable to leave the house, and almost 300 essential shopping trips for people unable to access shopping through family and friends.

The existing befriending service was adapted into telephone support with the client list expanding as those in the community struggled with isolation. Volunteers have made regular phone and email contact during this period to 70 people who wanted someone to talk to.

The charity’s popular community car scheme, currently offering help with transport to essential medical appointments only, completed 6,811 journeys transporting 260 clients to doctors, hospitals, and day care facilities during the full year.

A spokesperson said: “The community response to Covid-19 has been amazing. The generosity of so many people in Bedale, Northallerton and beyond in helping friends, neighbours and complete strangers, is what Volunteers’ Week is all about. Whether you think of yourself as a volunteer or not, if you’re helping other people during these difficult times, Hambleton Community Action would like to say a big 'thank you' this Volunteers’ Week.”

The charity would also like to acknowledge and thank all the volunteers at other Covid-19 community groups, village support groups and local councils it has worked closely with since March, providing essential support to the residents in Northallerton, Bedale and the surrounding area.

As some volunteers are now returning to work, the charity is keen to recruit more helpers. Anyone interested can get in touch on 01609 780458. Further details of the services that the charity provides can be found at www.hambletoncommunityaction.org

Donations are also being welcomed in order to support the charity's future services. Donations can be sent via their office at Ground Floor Office, 159/160 High Street, Northallerton, DL7 8JZ.