SUPPORT groups are being set up across the county to try and combat the effects of people having to self-isolate due to coronavirus.

Here in Cumbria many towns and villages have come together to provide help for those who are unable to leave their home because they are elderly or vulnerable or forced to self-isolate because they are showing symptoms.

Silloth Rotary Club decided it will provide support packs to help elderly and vulnerable people to manage.

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.”

Elsewhere, Diane and John Shaw who run Wetheral Village Store as well as the post office and cafe, have decided to start a delivery service to help the elderly and vulnerable who have been forced to self-isolate.

Offering a service of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as meat products from a local butcher, the pair are trying to help their customers in this time of need.

Mrs Shaw explained: “Last week I put out a post to say about delivering because the government had announced that vulnerable people should stay in.

“We have a big mix of customers in our shop and we do have a lot of older people, so we thought we’d offer the delivery to them.”

As well as offering this, Mrs Shaw has been offering takeaways from the Posting Pot Cafe, including cold soup that can be reheated, sandwiches and scones.

In Wigton, residents have come together to help those who are unable to leave their homes because of the pandemic.

Founded by Tricia Rham, Wigton Covid-19 is fed into by residents of the town who are willing to help.

The whole group are providing shopping, dog walking services, taking people to hospital and all daily essentials you would normally do if you weren't self-isolating.

Mrs Rham said: "We have communities that can support each other and I've been impressed by how people have come together."