In this period of uncertainty with the Coronavirus and self isolation, help and assistance in the community for the elderly and those less able-bodied is even more prevalent than before.

In light of the doom and gloom locals have been urged to stay positive, calm and show some community spirit - and with that in mind, offers of help in Tenby, and across Pembrokeshire and the widespread area have been forthcoming on social media and Facebook, but not everyone of a certain demographic have use of the internet or are computer savvy - so we have collated a rundown of some local businesses (and individuals willing to lend a helping hand) that have come forward with information on ways they can serve households that may be about to undertake a period of self-isolation.

“These are unprecedented times and we must think, listen and respond accordingly,” said Vince Malone postmaster of Tenby Stores and Post Office who offer newspaper delivery for a small daily fee and also free delivery on grocery shopping.

“We still have toilet roll, pasta and anti bacterial soap - as our customers are being very good with our one per-customer policy.

“A person of a certain generation will not ask for help. Away from the coronavirus, staff from our store have gone to households to deliver newspapers and found people on the floor, in need of help.

“Staff have had to call the ambulance three times in the last month for such instances.

“Why don’t we take the opportunity to get to know our neighbours, young and old, and let’s all work together.

“We do not know what’s around the corner but I’m sure we will be able come together as a community,” continued Vince.

“If you know anyone struggling we offer free delivery, so if any of our customers are worried about coming out to Tenby Post Office or need any assistance please ring us on 01834 843213 or contact us on Facebook or via email at [email protected]

“Please speak to neighbours as they may not be on social media,” he added.

Zoe Kingston-Griffiths who along with her husband run the ‘Amroth Community’ Facebook page, also wanted the community to know that they offer a service to older residents who may not be able to get to the shops or might not be able to get what they need in light of the recent panic buying

“For any of our most vulnerable and elderly residents who are unable to get to the shops to collect essentials, we at the Amroth Community Page have put together some small care packages free of charge - its not a lot but we hope it may help ease the burden on those who need it the most,” she explained.

“Each package contains toilet roll, tissues, soap, paracetamol and pasta. We currently have 5 packs made up and are able to deliver these to whoever needs them.

“We will do our best to make up more if we need to. Additionally, if anyone needs support we are happy to pick up groceries/essentials/prescriptions and drop them off within the community.

“You can contact David Griffiths to make arrangements on 07500966998. Also, if you are unable to get to the shops, Osborne Shop in Amroth are able to take telephone orders on 01834 812948 and will support local delivery as well.

“Please share this and reach out to us if you know of anyone who can benefit from this, as we know not everyone has access to Facebook. Start spreading the word that there are people in the community that are here to help!” added Zoe.

In light of the growing fears around coronavirus, local sign firm Signspeed have launched a ‘Wash Your Hands’ campaign.

The company based in Cresselly have produced a range of hand washing stickers designed to increase the awareness of hand washing.

Vicky Thomas who manages Marketing for the company said: ‘We are all aware of the threat of coronavirus and the Government guidelines are to wash hands for 20 seconds, we want to emphasise the importance of this and thought that it would also be a fun way to get children involved.

The stickers are available for collection free of charge for Pembrokeshire Schools, businesses and homes from the Signspeed offices in Cresselly.

On social media Melanie Mills has set up a Facebook group called the ‘Carms West and South Pembrokeshire Covid 19 Support Group’ where users can get together to offer help to those that may require it.

“As you can see lots of local businesses and people are offering deliveries and support to vulnerable people that may have to self isolate,” she said.

“This group is a place to request help, offer excess to those in need and to help restore calm in a proactive, friendly and non-profit way - if you need something or can offer something in terms of food deliveries, laundry help or even just a friendly face for someone in need,” added Melanie.

A post in the ‘Tenby’ Facebook group from Michelle Smith (who runs the group) urging for those in the community wanting to offer assistance to anyone unable to get out has drawn responses from locals available to assist the vulnerable and the elderly.

Michelle herself can help in way of collecting and delivering groceries etc, and can be contacted on 07554 580535.

• Kirsty Cray said: “I’d like to offer help to anyone who needs shopping or anything else on the area. I don’t drive, but love a good walk so I’m willing to cover all Tenby areas. Please don’t hesitate to message me or call 01834 844079.

• Lucy Cowling who moved to Tenby in the New Year after buying a run down guest house in Deer Park which is currently being renovated has also offered assistance.

“I am new to Tenby and am happy to help with shopping, delivering, even walking a dog? I have a current CRB if that helps. You can contact me on the following email address: [email protected]”

• Laura Lovegrove who has said she’d be glad to help can be contacted on 07910362234 or via email at: [email protected] “I’m 25 and have my own car, and live in between Tenby and New Hedges, off the Narberth road. I have worked as a carer for the elderly as well as a housekeeping assistant in a residential home so have plenty of experience working for and around elderly people,” she said.

• Annalise Brain said: “I’d like to be able to offer my help to those in need during the following weeks if I can. I do have a young son hence I can’t drop everything at a moments notice but I can certainly help those in need when possible. My contact number is 07817842046.”

• The Finlay family would like to put their names forward in light of the current coronavirus pandemic. Sarah: 07816811631, and Neil: 07973811631.

• Guy Manning (07903 782515) and Eloise Williams (07540 255041) who live at Coppet Hall, Saundersfoot are happy and willing to help elderly and/or vulnerable people in the area.

• Tenby town councillor Harry Whitehurst wants to offer up help for whoever needs it. Contact: 07575 155 051, or email: [email protected]

• Stephanie Waring offering her services to the community has said it’s a “great idea to all help and support each other” - she can be contacted on 07984836259.

• Lana Brace of Tenby said she is happy to help the vulnerable and elderly with grocery shopping etc if needed, contact: 07815309323.

• Caroline Cumberlin of Tenby added her name to list of locals willing to offer support and help to the elderly/isolated/in need in the community. She said that she is worried about the mental health of single isolated elderly in particular. Contact: 07814872701.

• Dr Rhian N Field can lend support during the Coronavirus crisis. Contact 07985 227951.

Michelle James based in Tenby is happy to volunteer her time to help the elderly and vulnerable during the current crisis. Contact: 07758336446.

• Ann Rossiter and all the Staff at Manorbier Stores and Post Office area ready and willing to help anyone in Manorbier and the wider area. “We have a well stocked shop and can deliver,” said Ann. Please call the shop on 01834 871221 if you need help

• Also in Manorbier a group has been created called the ‘Manorbier Helpers’ who have offered their time (free) to help the elderly and vulnerable. “We have created a letter/postcard that we will be going around the village posting offering: shopping; dog walking; prescriptions drop-off; papers; mail etc,” said Emma Jennings.

“If readers would like more info please use email or txt my number and I can make sure a form goes through their door so we can support them in the coming difficult times - they can send address if wanting support,” added Emma who can be contacted via email at: [email protected] or mobile: 07966849945.