I would like to start this week’s column by saying a big thank you to people in Swindon. For your understanding, for your fortitude, for your generosity in helping those in need and, above all, for your patience.

The ongoing coronavirus crisis is an unsettling time for many in our communities and is a situation which is placing an incredible strain on households and our normal way of life.

We are having to get used to doing things differently, but we know that by following the Government’s lockdown protocol and by observing the social distancing rules the upheaval is for a much greater good – to protect and save lives.

As a council we are having to make difficult decisions. Last week we had to close our Household Waste Recycling Centre to ensure we kept people apart and safe. Earlier this week, we followed advice from our colleagues in the police and closed the car parks in our country parks.

But as people across the Borough continue to observe the restrictions that have been put in place, we have witnessed incredible acts of generosity.

In my column last week I announced a package of measures the council was putting in place to help those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have called it #HereForSwindon and you may have seen some of the publicity around the campaign in the local media and on social media.

As part of this, we set up in partnership with Voluntary Action Swindon, an initiative we have called ‘Compassionate Swindon’, and more than 500 Swindon residents have signed up for volunteering opportunities, including speaking to someone over the phone to offer some companionship or collecting shopping for those who are staying at home.

This is a fantastic response and shows what an amazing community spirit we have here in Swindon.

The third measure we have put in place as part of #HereForSwindon is support for people who are vulnerable and who need help.

Over the weekend, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs delivered food supplies to the council and these will be sent to around 140 people in our communities who have been forced to self-isolate following advice from the Government.

We are also putting food parcels together for people who can afford supplies, who are all alone in their homes with no family or friends to call on to do their shopping. For those self-isolating who are in real hardship and cannot afford the food supplies, these will be provided for free. Our staff and volunteers are also delivering prescriptions to those forced to stay at home because of the virus.

Our council officers are working incredibly hard to put these support measures in place with the help of our partners and our many fantastic volunteers. If you would like to find out more about the council’s food box scheme please call 01793 445500 Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm or email: customerservices@swindon.gov.uk.

To learn more about our #HereForSwindon support log onto: www.swindon.gov.uk/HereForSwindon

I’m proud to say that as a council we are here for you, our residents. Our volunteers are showing many of you are also there for each other.