Businesses and residents are urged to come forward and help support some of the boroughs older and most vulnerable residents, who are struggling to get the shopping they need during this pandemic.

With panic buying common across the country, older people and those at risk in Richmond run the risk of not being able to access adequate provisions.

Cllr Michael Wilson, Lead Member for Communities and the Voluntary Sector, said:“Over the past few days we have seen amazing displays of community spirit. And we have to continue with these efforts.

“Despite Government and supermarket pleas, people are still panic buying.

“We can’t stop people buying excess food.

"But, we can all rally together and help support some of our older residents and those at risk.

"It isn’t fair that they have to suffer because we all apparently “need” dozens of toilet rolls and 30 tins of beans.

Cllr Wilson also thanked Richmond's volunteering community groups for being proactive in taking the initiative as without them so many residents would be isolated in their homes.

He also called on businesses and said that they should help volunteers by making donations and also asked residents to look inside their cupboards to see if any items could be donated ward groups.

Age UK Richmond along with 19 other local charities under the Community Independent Living Service (CILS partnership) in collaboration with Richmond Council are working together to help and support the most in need during the current unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis.

From March 23, they will start taking donations of food and household items from the public and local businesses, which will then be delivered via a trustworthy network of third sector staff members and DBS checked volunteers.

Non-perishable donations needed:

  • Tinned soup
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Tinned meat and fish
  • Powdered milk
  • Rice
  • Pasta and sauces
  • Cereals
  • Biscuits
  • Crisps
  • Toilet rolls
  • Personal care items like baby wipes, incontinence pads and cleaning products

Donations will be accepted between 9am and 2pm until further notice at the Twickenham Wellbeing Centre, Arragon Road, Twickenham, London, TW1 3NH.

Please drop your donations and we will ensure they reach housebound older and most at risk people that need them during COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit Richmond online for more information.