VOLUNTEERS in a Wrexham village have banded together to help those who are struggling in their community.

The scheme, set up by Pen-y-Cae Community Council, aims to support residents who are vulnerable and isolated with shopping requests and collection of prescriptions.

Sian Andrews, clerk to the community council, said the scheme even has emergency food parcels to give out, should residents find themselves without supplies and be struggling to get more.

She explained: “We launched this as soon as we went into lockdown. It started as a group to help people with shopping and errands but we have just managed to get the food parcel scheme up and running as well.

“We have been contacting local supermarkets and Morrisons came through for us.

“We’d like to offer them out sincere thanks, their community champion has been brilliant and gave us 30 food parcels.

“We will see what the demand is and replenish that as we go, but we’re planning to keen this going for as long as this situation goes on.

“Each parcel contains about a couple of days worth of food, so it’s things like pasta, tinned foods, cereal, long life milk, toilet rolls, coffee and tea.

“We’ve already had a few people take us up on it and they will be dispatched immediately depending on the availability of volunteers to deliver them.

“Many of our councillors who are isolating but are otherwise fit and well are able to help people who just need a chat over the phone as well.

“Our councillors are from a range of backgrounds and employment histories and they are able to offer a friendly ear for people who are not getting out to see others at the moment.

“We also have two Welsh-speaking councillors.”

Anyone who would like to request help from the scheme, including the food parcel service, can contact Sian Andrews on 01978840557.

She added: “I will answer the phone at any time, and there is a facility to leave a message if I can’t.”