Dawlish Town Council has established a new community response group in the wake of approving an initial £5k to fund an initiative – Dawlish is here to help.

A spokesman explained: ‘In the current Covid-19 health emergency, some ill and self-isolating people will be at risk of loneliness, anxiety and a lack of basic provisions.’

As well as councillors and council staff, the group includes representatives from Dawlish Community Transport, Assist Teignbridge, Churches Together in Dawlish and District, Open Daw, ROC Dawlish, the chamber of trade and Home Instead.

Already the group has printed an information leaflet with useful contact details of organisations and businesses who can help during the crisis. This will be distributed to 6,500 households over the weekend.

A website called www.helpingdawlish.co.uk has been set up and will be in operation with information and updates as time progresses. A temporary food bank is being operated by ROC Dawlish with the co-operation of HITS.

As new information comes in it will be added to the website – please contact [email protected] or ring 07584052306 with details.

The mayor of Dawlish, Cllr Alison Foden, said: ‘As we are now in a difficult and unknown time, I would like to send my best wishes to all in the parish. 

I recognise that instructions from Government for social isolation, and the fear of the virus can be overwhelming. 

‘Here in Dawlish there is support if you need it – a collaborative emergency action group has been set up with partners and there will be posters around town and on social media.

‘I’d like to give my thanks and support to NHS workers, carers, delivery drivers, cafes and restaurants that are now delivering cooked food, supermarket staff, teachers, and everybody else for pulling together.  This difficult time unites us all.’

Cllr Lisa Mayne, who is on the community response group, said: ‘I am really proud of the members of these groups who are helping to make sure the vulnerable residents of Dawlish and the surrounding area are being given help and advice that is needed in these uncertain times.’