An incredible outpouring of community spirit has resulted in more than 3,000 people volunteering to become part of Liverpool’s ‘community army’ to help tackle the coronavirus challenge.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson set up the hotline just 13 days ago (20 March) and it was immediately inundated with pledges of help. The overwhelming response means the volunteer hotline has been temporarily suspended.

All those who have registered will now be contacted by email for further details – for example to establish what skill sets they have.

Liverpool City Council will continue to work in partnership with charitable organisations across the city – including LCVS and The Trussell Trust – in order to assign people to a variety of much-needed roles.

These roles will vary from delivering essential food supplies to making phone calls to lonely residents.    

Another support hotline was established at the same time for anyone to call who feels they need help with a range of basic tasks because they don’t have a network of family and friends. This is still operational. The number is  0151 233 3066 and will be open from 8am to 6pm, seven days a week.

Alternatively, people can request help online here.

For the latest information and advice, Liverpool City Council has also set up an online portal –www.liverpool.gov.uk/coronavirus. There are also dedicated social media feeds at www.facebook.com/covidliverpool and www.twitter.com/covidliverpool.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said:

“The kindness and generosity of the people of Liverpool never ceases to amaze me.

“Coronavirus is posing an unprecedented challenge to us all –but we now have 3,000 people on our books who can work in partnership with the city council and help us emerge on the other side, stronger and more unified than ever. 

“God willing, we won’t have to use 3,000 people but we need to be prepared.

“There is a huge amount of work going on across the city already – including those dealing with the foodbanks and a whole host of local organisations who are rallying around to do everything they can for their communities. 

“This is a whole city effort – not just the council – and as this crisis unfolds the friendships and community spirit we have seen will help us through.

“Thank you to all these volunteers who will, without a doubt, make a real, positive difference to the lives of others.”