SUPPORT groups are being set up across the county to try and combat the effects of people having to self-isolate due to coronavirus.

Here in Cumbria many towns and villages have come together to provide help for those who are unable to leave their home because they are elderly or vulnerable.

In Wigton a group has been set up called Wigton Covid-19 Mutual Aid, the group was first founded by Tricia Rham and is fed into by residents of the town.

When the group was first set up volunteers could collect postcards to post through letter boxes letting residents know they were available to help with everyday tasks - however, the group has now decided to change tactics.

Mrs Rham explained why the group was first set up: "Mrs Rham explained: "Across the country there's a whole host of these groups set up called Covid-19 mutual aid.

"It seems to be a national group that are setting up.

"Lots of people have their own in different areas."

The page, which has been set up on Facebook, is a place for people to post helpful advice, tips and volunteer services to help people.

The whole group are providing shopping, dog walking services, taking people to hospital and all daily essentials you would normally do if you weren't self-isolating.

Philip Jackson, minister of Wigton Methodist Church has been helping out in the group since it first started.

He has been helping with the new tactic.

Mr Jackson said: "The plan is to use the postcards to help connect neighbours.

"We are looking for people to volunteer to deliver postcards with their details on, so that neighbours can phone them for shopping etc.

"We are also looking to recruit 6 co-ordinators who will contact the volunteers and be the first port of call.

" Once both co-ordinators and volunteers are recruited, we will drop the postcards with the volunteers, they can fill them in and put them through neighbours doors."

Wigton Town Council have also joined in the scheme too.

Town clerk, Alison Dodd, explained: "We are providing postcards that people can put through letter boxes to say they are available to help. People need to adhere to the advice from the government and do what they are telling us to do. Limiting where people can go I do hope people start listening and stay at home and help save lives."

The group has already had a positive impact on the town.

Mrs Rham said: "One lady put on a post about her parents being in Wigton and self-isolating and she was the other side of the country self-isolating and couldn't help them and immediately we have people ready to help

"We have communities that can support each other and I've been impressed by how people have come together."

To join the group search Wigton Covid-19 Mutual Aid on Facebook.