THE founders of a Helensburgh volunteer group set up to support elderly and vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic have thanked local residents for their "outstanding community spirit", a month after lockdown restrictions were imposed.

Helping Helensburgh, which was launched on March 13 in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, has attracted more than 1,000 members on social media, with volunteers assisting around 60 people, many on multiple occasions.

Group members have helped collect and deliver prescription medicines, groceries and essential supplies to elderly residents and others who have had to self-isolate for health reasons, while the group has just recently teamed up with Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface and the Caring for People helpline to offer a telephone befriending service.

With the current situation set to continue for at least another three weeks before a UK Government review, Helping Helensburgh founder Angela Fleming is expecting further requests for assistance to flood in, and she is grateful to those who have gone above and beyond for others so far.

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She told the Advertiser: "Due to having a large group of members eager and willing to volunteer we are able to meet the demand for help.

"Generally a request for assistance waits no longer than 30 minutes for someone to step forward and offer their help.

"The biggest challenge we have is reaching people who may not have access to the internet but many local businesses have stepped up to help with this by handing out our leaflet and displaying them in their windows - our thanks to Helensburgh Community Council who sponsored the printing costs.

"Local media outlets have also been instrumental in helping reach as many people as possible along with our amazing community spreading the word.

"The Helping Helensburgh team cannot believe the response this initiative has received from the local community.

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"When we originally started this group it was with the expectation of it being a very small group who might be able to help a couple of people.

"We had no idea how much the community would rally round to help each other and it has been heartwarming to see the outstanding community spirit come to the fore."

Angela paid tribute to May Hadi, Tamara Brown-Milberg, Valerie Raynard and Dawn Lambert for their help and support in setting up and running Helping Helensburgh, while she also praised the selfless acts from local retail staff.

She added: "For myself I am overjoyed at how everyone is pulling together through this time.

"Local businesses, community groups and community members are all supporting each other and I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful community."

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The Caring for People helpline can be reached on 01546 605524, from 9am to 5pm, Monday-Friday.

To become a befriender with the Helping Helensburgh group, or to have a befriender contact you, message the 'Helping Helensburgh' Facebook page or call Val at The Toy Shop on 01436 677500.

Elsewhere in Helensburgh and Lomond, other community initiatives are also reaping rewards.

The Rhu Bay Facebook page, which is offering a helping hand with errands or a listening ear for the elderly, has been busy with requests for support, along with the Rosslea Hall Hotel.

Meanwhile, the Cardross Cares group has more than 100 volunteers helping out in the village, while a box for food bank donations has just opened up at Kilcreggan Post Office and support efforts continue to grow around the peninsula.

READ MORE: Check out all the latest news headlines from across Helensburgh and Lomond here