In response to the emerging crisis, a number of people wanted to feel useful and help their fellow residents but were not sure how best to do this. The Village Plan Committee kindly agreed to help residents coordinate a team of volunteers and so we have created the Badsworth Emergency Support Team (or B.E.S.T.).  We currently have well over 30 individual volunteers, from all age groups and across the breadth of the village. It has become clear that many people in the village are already helping their neighbours and friends, with tasks such as shopping, and just simply ensuring people don’t feel isolated. People are exchanging phone numbers and setting up WhatsApp groups, amongst other things.

B.E.S.T has set up a “helpline” which will be open to ANYONE in the village, regardless of age or circumstance. The intention is to be able to access the skills and availability of the wider support team, so that we can provide a safety net to those in need, especially where existing support networks fail (eg due to people having to self-isolate). Volunteers can, if required provide a variety of help such as collecting medication or prescriptions, providing IT support and ideas as to how to use technology to prevent isolation, as well as just providing a friendly ear for anyone who wants to have a chat about anything. We also have a number of dog owners on the list so we can provide dog walking services if you ever need them. Contact numbers are on the following page and will also be on the Website and other notices around the village. New numbers may be published over the coming weeks as volunteers have a well-earned rest.