Abergavenny Street Monitors Group has been in operation for about eight weeks and is proving to be very successful, .

Co-organiser and Town Councillor Dave Simcock says: “We now have around 200 fantastic volunteers who are helping the neighbours in their own street.

‘‘During this Covid-19 crisis we have met well over 1000 requests so far for shopping and prescription collections.  

‘‘We think we have about 70 per cent of the town covered at the moment and most residents have already received a leaflet from their Street Monitor with a phone number to call when they need help of any sort”.

The objective of the Street Monitors Group is for every street to have its own volunteer Monitor to provide assistance with tasks ranging from grocery shopping and collecting prescriptions to posting letters, particularly those who for whatever reason are vulnerable and unable to leave their home.

Kate Buchanan, Street Monitor for Princes Street, said: “It’s great, I feel I’m doing something useful, and my neighbours really appreciate it. Its bringing the street closer together too. I hope this is the start of of something bigger which will carry on when this is all over”.

The Group is also working with MCC to make sure that that any gaps in council services are filled and to ensure that no-one in need has to put themselves or others at unnecessary risk by going to the shops themselves.

Co-ordination with MCC is ensuring that the elderly, the disabled and people with pre-existing health issues get the help they need.

Street Monitors also aims to offer support to those people who are feeling lonely, isolated and anxious during the pandemic.

The group has a number of volunteers who are professionally-trained counsellors and are offering a friendly and sympathetic chat if needed. 

Co-organiser Jo Webb emphasises that “the philosophy of the group is mutual aid, which means that everyone has a part to play and although you might be considered ‘vulnerable’ and in need today, at some time or another you may be the one helping others.

‘‘We must all rely on each other more than ever. This pandemic has proven that strong communities are really important.”

Anyone wanting to know more about the scheme can email Jo Webb on [email protected] , call 01873 740142, or find them on Facebook.