Nailsea Support Group – New platform launched to support Nailsea residents

A new community led platform has been launched by the volunteers behind the Covid-19 Help Group to support the residents of Nailsea on a permanent basis, called the Nailsea Support Group, nailseasupportgroup.com

Following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was highlighted how many people in Nailsea required support and assistance of various natures, but were unsure of where to seek help.

In order to simplify the process, with funding from the Nailsea Town Council, the Nailsea Support Group was established and created a one-stop platform where people can find local and national help and support they need from a single trusted source.

The Nailsea Support Group comprises three local organisations; Nailsea Town Council including its 65 High Street community facility, Tyntesfield Medical Group and the Nailsea Community Group, who work together to provide tailored support to the residents of Nailsea.

Head of the Nailsea Support Group and member of the Town Council, James Steel, comments: “The Covid-19 Help Group opened our eyes to the number of residents in Nailsea that require long-term assistance, as well as the benefit of an active and supportive local community.

“Each of the organisations involved in the Nailsea Support Group was instrumental in providing support and guidance to the original Covid-19 Help Group. Our shared experiences during this time sparked the idea of the new platform, which is an extension of the original Help Group that will provide ongoing support to the people of Nailsea across a range of services.”

One of the main new functions of the Nailsea Support Group is an online Support Directory that includes all of the help and services available to the people of Nailsea in one place.

The new organisation also offers support via a new Facebook Page that acts as an online community noticeboard for people to offer and ask for help.

A Community Buddy scheme has also been established in which an ID-verified volunteer can provide weekly one-to-one support with grocery shopping, prescription delivery and companionship. This will help the residents in Nailsea who are still shielding or self-isolating to access essential food and medication.

The Group also hopes that the Community Buddy scheme will provide a long-term grass roots support service to any vulnerable residents.

Jo Duffy, Town Clerk at the Nailsea Town Council, comments: “Nailsea Town Council has worked closely with the volunteers from the Nailsea Covid-19 Help Group to support the community of Nailsea during the pandemic. The Council has offered advice, encouragement and financial assistance to the group to enable them to operate in a highly effective way.

“Going forward, the Town Council is excited to be involved with the newly launched Nailsea Support Group. We believe that it will offer the residents of Nailsea and the surrounding communities the support they need from a single local trusted source.”

Ian Morrell, Development Manager at 65 High Street, adds: “The Nailsea Support Group is the result of lessons learnt from this pandemic and No. 65 is proud to be a part of it.”

A brochure is available to request for yourself or others, outlining all of the ways in which the Group can provide help and support.

If you or someone you know needs help in Nailsea please visit nailseasupportgroup.com, email nailseahelpers@yahoo.com, call 01275 855 277 or visit No.65 High Street, Nailsea, BS48 1AW.