Community rallies to help
In true Friendliest Port style, the community of Amble has rallied to help those who may need extra care during the coronavirus crisis.
Bryan Hewson and Susan Modral from Amble’s Queen St Post Office
Local businesses have offered to help, with Amble Post Office were one of the first to respond to the emergency situation. They offered to help anyone isolated by the coronavirus crisis. However cirumstances changed when Postmaster Bryan and Beryl Hewson also needed to self isolate and an third member of staff had to leave to look after her child. They are having to reduce their opening hours as a result.
Queen Street Convenience Store (Premier) also offered their help to any customers who are self isolating or who need help: “Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on 01665 710394 or through messenger. We are able to take card payments over the phone and carry out doorstep drop deliveries throughout Amble and Warkworth.”
Many more shops and businesses soon rallied to help. Some are now offering delivery services. Amble Pin Cushion told us they will offer collection of laundry, dry cleaning and alterations. Contact them via their website: amblepincushion.co.uk
Online help groups also sprang up: Isolation Support in Amble and Surrounding Areas, and Isolation help Northumberland became very popular on Facebook, with people offering their help.
Rachel Cook is co-ordinating volunteer help in the community. She set up the Isolation Support in Amble and surrounding Areas Facebook page and is now working with the churches, the food bank and pharmacies. She told The Ambler: “I used to be a care Co – Cordinator for Age UK, so I know how many vulnerable people live around the Amble area.”
The volunteer team are all DBS checked and are willing to help whoever needs assistance during the crisis.
“No-one can predict what’s going to happen, so we want to protect the elderly and vulnerable,” said Rachel.
Contact Rachel and the team via the Facebook page, or by asking in the Amble pharmacies, surgeries, post office and Fourways2.
Anna Williams
**UPDATED ARTICLE: this article was updated on 25 March to reflect the fact that the Post Office can no longer offer help due to staffing levels**
Nice to see Bryan Hewson again, his mum, Mary was a great friend and neighbour when we lived at The Salt Pans.