AS the nation emerges from lockdown, Maldon District's Community Voluntary Service (MDCVS) has moved away from the emergency response to a series of new projects, initiatives and support.

The following is a news update from MDCVS.

"We are pleased to see that the Governments roadmap to taking the country out of lockdown is on track and restrictions are being lifted in line with the previously laid out roadmap.

"During the duration of the current lockdown the community hub has continued to operate a helpline for the community, however we are seeing low numbers of calls and the focus has shifted from supporting people who are shielded or self-isolating to longer term issues relating to hardship and changes in circumstances.

In response, the community partners have a number of projects and pieces of work ongoing:

-Free emotional support workshops will be taking place across the district throughout June for anyone with anxieties relating to their experiences of the pandemic. More details are available online using the link here.

-A community-based volunteer response for help with prescription requests and shopping is being created to continue to help people who need support with essentials

-A district-wide food support consultation is underway to understand the current and future needs of people in the community who have used or are using food banks or food parcel/voucher support. This can be completed online using the link here or hard copies can be supplied if required by calling 01621 851997

-The Community Container project is now active and able to support people in crisis (including self-isolation) with a range of items including food parcels, child care items, household electricals and cooking equipment. Full details are available online using the link here and organisations and agencies are able

to make online referrals to the response partners for support.

-Ongoing support to the local vaccination centre with volunteer management and promotion of the vaccine amongst areas of low take up.

From the end of May 2021 the formal community hub response will close, meaning that the helpline will be operational within the usual business of Maldon and District CVS and people can access support by phoning the charity and if necessary leaving a message.

Maldon and District CVS and the response partners would like to thank everyone across the district who has provided support to the community since March 2020.