Poulton reverend sets up community relief initiative during Covid-19 pandemic

A Poulton reverend has set up a community group to offer help to people who cannot leave their homes due to the coronavirus outbreak.
By Rebecca Beardmore
Published 25th Mar 2020, 17:00 BST
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Paul Critchley, 43, is the reverend at Poulton Methodist Church and decided to set up the initiative "PoultonCAN" after watching the increasing severity of coronavirus around the world.

Now he has amassed over 80 volunteers in the market town and Carleton, to help as many people living in isolation as possible.

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Paul said: "My awareness of the developing situation around the world made me realise that there would be people here who needed help too.

Reverend Paul Critchley from Poulton Methodist Church has set up a coronavirus relief initiative.Reverend Paul Critchley from Poulton Methodist Church has set up a coronavirus relief initiative.
Reverend Paul Critchley from Poulton Methodist Church has set up a coronavirus relief initiative.

"I've opened a helpline which is manned from 8am to 10pm every day, so anyone who can't leave the house can call to ask one of our volunteers for help.

"We can do shopping for them, collect their prescriptions, and we can match people with a "chatter" if they get lonely and just need somebody to talk to."

The team behind the initiative aims to help anyone who is unable to complete everyday tasks or leave their homes, regardless of age or circumstances.

PoultonCAN's helpline can be reached by phoning 01253 670800, from 8am to 10pm seven days a week.

To become a volunteer, email [email protected].