THE Ryedale Covid19 Network now has 500 volunteers helping to support vulnerable people during the coronavirus outbreak.

Volunteers are signing up to do shopping, collect prescriptions etc, for people who are either already self-isolating or are vulnerable due to age or underlying health conditions.

Each area is now organising its own volunteers to support people in the local area with 25 groups across Ryedale.

Cllr Steve Mason, coordinator and district councillor, said: “We are building a well-connected communications stream to provide and share the best and most up-to-date info that we receive from the local authorities, support local business and support our local community, whilst we can feasibly can.

“We are also in a position to offer this service to communicate with many people as possible to make sure no one is forgotten during the current lockdown.

“The network is starting to flow really well with people helping each other out across Ryedale.”

Cllr Mason said Morrisons in Malton had donated a large amount of groceries this week to distribute to people through the network and Ryedale Foodbank.

“They have been amazingly supportive by donating a tonne of potatoes, as well as bread, pasta, fruit and vegetables.

“These items have been taken to the foodbank and also out to vulnerable people.”

Morrisons is distributing £10 million of groceries to the nation’s food banks during the coronavirus outbreak.

David Potts, CEO of Morrisons, said: “We know foodbanks are finding life very difficult and running our manufacturing sites for an extra hour each day to help restock them is the right decision at this time. The core purpose of all 96,537 colleagues at Morrisons is to play our full part in feeding the nation.”

To volunteer, go to actionnetwork.org/forms/ryedale-volunteer-network