AT A time when mass gatherings are not being encouraged, more than 9,000 people have come together with the same thing in mind - community spirit.

A Facebook community group, created on Sunday, has already gathered 9,400 members in order to offer help and advice to those in need.

From food shopping, dog walking, or just a friendly chat, scores of people are coming forward to help each other.

Within this new community, more than 30 ‘sub groups’ have been created for the individual areas of town, to give a more direct sense of helping.

The group was started by Taunton woman Gabby Andrews, and now has a more than ten-strong team of ‘admins’ keeping things running.

Somerset County Gazette:

IDEA: Gabby Andrews, who created the group 

Mrs Andrews, an IT project manager, who admits she isn’t a ‘big Facebook user’, saw the opportunity in using the platform to bring people together.

She said: “Within a few hours it had 3,000 members and an outpouring of local people offering to help.

“It has been so heart-warming to see the community come together with great ideas, suggestions and offers of support for our community.

“The group is now approaching 9,500 members and I am working with a fantastic team of administrators who are helping to moderate it, ensuring that it’s a safe, positive and constructive space for the community to find support and reassurance during these challenging times.”

Natalie Dyson, a solicitor in Taunton, and Claire Meredith, who runs a payroll businesses, hit the ground running as ‘founding members’.

They have helped to organise the group to ensure as many people as possible receive any help they require.

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But they want to go further still.

Mrs Dyson said: ”I am compiling a database of local shops, restaurants, cafes, shops, pubs and businesses who are willing to take orders and payment by phone to avoid the need for any money or bank cards to be handled by our volunteers.

“Please can you come forward with your contact details if you are willing to help.”

Since the group was created, hundreds have people have come forward to help, firstly delivering leaflets around their areas to ensure everyone knows help is out there.

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TEAM EFFORT: Nathan, Molly and Jessica out and about 

Matt Page, a printer based in Norton Fitzwarren, printed off 40 thousand of these leaflets to be used throughout the town.

Already, shopping in being done, and emergency medication runs are being carried out.

Dozens of children are also getting involved to lend a hand - gloved or sanitised, of course.

The group organisers stress no money will be taken from anyone, and payment is only needed upon delivery of their required items.

Volunteers, who have been screened by the organisers, won’t ask for bank details or ask to enter your home.

So if you want to help, or you need help, Taunton has once again proved its community spirit.

Search Coronavirus Community Help Taunton on Facebook to join the main group, and then search for your subgroup.

Many people aren’t on Facebook or don’t have access to the internet, so the group is hoping as many people as possible will help get the word out that help is available during this time of uncertainty.