Buckinghamshire Council launches new Community Hub with #ProudofBucks

The council is launching #ProudofBucks - a campaign to celebrate the work of the NHS, council staff, voluntary groups, businesses, partners and people in the community as they protect, help and support people in Buckinghamshire during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Proving that Buckinghamshire truly is a fantastic place to live and work, there are incredible stories of groups, communities and individuals all pulling together to make life that bit more bearable during this time of crisis.

Community groups and organisations can share the work they’re doing via the Community Support Hub on the council’s new website or by using the hashtag #ProudofBucks on social media. All information gathered will be combined and will serve as a directory for residents who are looking for help.

One great example of communities pulling together at this difficult time is The Risborough Basket which opened on 30 March. This is a joint effort between Princes Risborough Town Council, the Active Community Bus and local volunteers. It offers free delivery of groceries from the town’s shops to all residents in Princes Risborough. With already over 500 deliveries to date, they really are working hard to provide a vital service while encourage people to stay at home.

Local Councillor Alan Turner commented on the initiative:

“The idea behind The Risborough Basket scheme is to keep those vulnerable members of our community and others who are self-isolating stocked with fresh fruit & veg, whilst also helping to keep our local small retailers going by delivering their sales as well. It’s been a huge success so far, but it does require good organisational skills, lots of volunteers and someone to oversee the project with good links both within and outside of the community. Also, we mustn’t forget that we could be in this for a considerable period of time, so stamina and determination will be required.”

Another incredible example of the community spirit comes from local councillor Arif Hussain and his children, who raised money through the charity Five Pillars to buy food packages for elderly residents in High Wycombe. With the help of a team of fantastic volunteers, they managed to deliver the parcels to 68 elderly-occupied apartments last week.

A resident who received one of the food packages wrote back a few days later to say:

“Thank you so very much for the wonderful donation and delivery of items this morning. As secretary of the Parsonage Close Sheltered Housing Scheme Social Club, please express the grateful thanks of all residents. This is a terrific act of kindness, and I know that it will boost everyone's morale. God bless you all. Thank you, not only for the groceries, but you have also shown true human love.”

Cllr Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, commented:

"I'm very proud of all the great work that our community is doing during these difficult and challenging times. I'm also pleased that Buckinghamshire Council - despite only launching six days ago - has been able to create an online Community Support Hub which residents can use to find local help or to contact organisations that are looking for volunteers.

"If you do get involved in any Buckinghamshire community work related to the coronavirus outbreak, then please let us know by tagging your social media posts with #ProudofBucks."

To register a local service or to let the council know about an elderly relative or friend in Buckinghamshire that they are worried about, please visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/community-hubCommunities and individuals can also email [email protected] directly, or tag #ProudofBucks on social media posts.