A ROTARY club has pledged to help the elderly and vulnerable who may not be able to manage in the wake of self-isolation after the coronavirus outbreak.

Following the government announcement on self-isolation, Silloth Rotary Club has decided it will provide support packs to help elderly and vulnerable people to manage.

Every Briton over the age of 70 will be told “within the coming weeks” to stay at home for an extended period to protect themselves from coronavirus.

When it happens, they will be asked to stay home for “a very long time”, health secretary Matt Hancock said.

Mr Hancock said the over-70s and people with certain health conditions would soon be asked to self-isolate but did not say for how long.

Owen Martin, president of Silloth Rotary Club, said: “We are worried how the elderly and vulnerable would be able to manage with this. So we decided to make some support packs to be delivered to people in the community.

“We think it will help let people know they are not alone in a time of the unknown. It will be a scary time for many in communities around the country.

“To just have someone to have a chat to on the phone or to collect some shopping will be a vital lifeline.”

The group is putting together small packs with essentials such as toilet rolls, soap, food, sweets and information on how to get in touch for further help or to chat to someone.

“It’s extremely important and we would encourage people to check on their neighbours, family and friends who may also need help at this time,” continued Mr Martin.

“If anyone would like to volunteer please also get in touch. One thing that really struck me is a lady said she would love to volunteer but was over 70. But age isn’t a barrier to a volunteer as they would be the ideal people to help phone others for a chat.

“We would also like to thank those who have offered support we really appreciate it. It’s brilliant for the community to come together and support each other.”

Anyone who would like to get involved with Silloth Rotary Club and help can email sillothrotary@outlook.com or call 07513 500741.

Wetheral village store is also pledging to help customers in need.

Staff there are aware that some people are going to find it difficult to leave home, so they are offering a delivery service for essential grocery items, fruit and vegetables and their range of Steve Wilson products.

A spokeswoman for the store said orders are placed Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for delivery on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for the butcher, so if you wish to pre-order just let them know in advance.

The Posting Pot Cafe will also be happy to deliver cold sandwiches, cold soup, cakes and scones. Deliveries for these items will be after 3.30pm when the cafe closes.

To place an order you can call the store on 01228 560201. All payments will be taken in cash.