23 Mar 2020

Coronavirus: Platform aims to get volunteers to help during Covid-19 crisis

8:26 am on 23 March 2020

A charitable trust that matches volunteers to good causes has launched help for those running errands during the coronavirus outbreak.

Happy asian senior man using the mobile phone at home

Photo: 123rf

HelpTank says the support could include collecting prescriptions, dropping off groceries or making time for a regular phone chat with a vulnerable or self-isolating person.

The online platform has written to its 700 volunteers to let them know how they can help and to suggest people who might need support.

A spokesperson said the platform was normally used by skilled volunteers who were matched with projects people uploaded to the site.

It has made some changes so people can ask for help for themselves, a friend or relative affected by Covid-19.

"As we all look to socially distance ourselves and start working from home, we will also start using the internet as it was always meant to be used - to connect with one another, share information and resources and find ways to help those who are struggling," she said.

"We all know there is no true substitute to in-person interaction, but as we find new ways to maintain connections with one another, using technology in different ways can act as a bridge across physical distances."

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