I SUSPECT that we're not the only 'forgotten few' in the area.

There are some out here in the country, isolated on the order of the government because we are elderly and at high risk from coronavirus, but with no family or neighbours offering to fetch food.

Not all of us have transport to travel to collect it ourselves, even if we were allowed out, which we are sternly warned not to even think about.

The only option left is the home delivery services offered by supermarkets and charities. And that's where it's all coming apart.

Like so many others with special needs that the government - and by that I mean the establishment, and not the current ruling party - is slowly becoming aware of, there are many people whose difficulties in coping with this sudden lockdown have still not, until now, been recognised.

The care home infection catastrophe rightly gets the headlines but there are others who need help too, people who can cope under normal circumstances but who have suddenly been locked into their isolated homes and have no access to essentials.

We have tried to arrange emergency rations through the supermarket delivery service but they are totally booked up for weeks ahead.

The charities too are hopelessly overwhelmed.

Some are trying to help those who find it impossible to get provisions but they rely on volunteers and can't predict when any delivery might arrive, if ever.

So we tighten our belts, make the best of it and hope that we can get along until this is all over.

We need a much more concerted effort to identify the really isolated people and see what they need to get them through this crisis.

People talk about a return to the old 'wartime community spirit' but in today's self-obsessed society we see very little of that emerging here.

This crisis exposes the drastic failings of our modern society that need to be rectified for the future.

PS - By coincidence, the food delivery that we arranged through Age UK Kendal has just arrived! They are doing a great job, under enormous pressure, their volunteers are just as much heroes (and heroines) as those who go back to the NHS to help out.

Doug Cross

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