How volunteers have been supporting Felpham residents during lockdown

The Felpham Emergency Resilience Group (FERG) has been a ‘life-line’ for many people during the lockdown, said joint lead co-ordinator Dave Smart.

Over the last few months, the volunteers have taken around 200 calls and delivered more than 500 prescriptions, as well as collecting and delivering pre-paid grocery shopping and telephoned people who were isolated at home and were feeling anxious.

When they have been unable to help directly, they have given advice and contact details for those who can assist.

The scheme initially consisted of around 20 volunteers, who were existing members of FERG, but these were soon joined by more people wanting to help.

Within days the band of volunteers had grown to nearly 40 and had also linked up with a volunteer group from Felpham’s Summerley Estate.

The group ‘went live’ in early April after extensive work contacting local pharmacists, shops, GP surgeries and other organisations to make them aware help was on hand.

This also coincided with coronavirus community hubs at West Sussex County Council and Arun District Council starting.

Calls started coming in on day one and have continued ever since from people in Felpham, Middleton, Elmer, Yapton and Bognor.

Gloria Moss, FERG’s joint lead coordinator, said: “Our volunteers have taken to the task with enthusiasm, willingness, and empathy.

“We have received many calls of thanks and it is so rewarding to know that, for many, we are able to help and give peace of mind that someone is there to help.

“Just having someone knock at the door to deliver medication and spend a few minutes chatting – while social distancing – is, for some people, the only interaction they have had.”

Mr Smart added: “It is clear the volunteers really feel as though they are doing something useful and making a difference.

“They have been a lifeline for many people, and they continue to make themselves available even as things improve.

“We are still receiving calls and whilst people continue to need our help in these difficult times, we have no plans to stand the team down.”

FERG was established in 2016 after Felpham Parish Councillor Gloria Moss, who has significant experience of emergency response, was tasked by the council with launching the volunteer initiative.

Councillor Dave Smart later joined the group and brought a background in crisis management and training.

The group meets regularly for training and information sharing.

FERG has previously supported residents evacuated from their homes following a major fire in Bognor Regis and were asked to help by the authorities to give early safety information to the residents of a nearby village during a potentially toxic fire.

Anyone who would like to know more about the group, contact the Felpham Parish Clerk at [email protected] or call 01243 827470

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