More locals here in Oxford (Canterbury) are now going into isolation – not necessarily to avoid the risk of infecting others (as for those recently arrived from overseas, or exposed to COVID-19 cases), but to avoid the risk of becoming infected.

If that includes you, you will need help, whether within your household or from others.

Needing help is okay. Accepting help is even better.

That may be just a catch-up over the phone, or a smile, or getting some shopping, or running an errand. Or maybe you’re a farmer and need someone to pick up rural supplies or give a hand with stock. Maybe you’re finding it tricky to set up video calling on your computer, or you need someone to walk your dog. If you’re used to regular coffee mornings in the village, maybe you need takeaway coffee and cake.

Already there are many informal offers of help – notes in letterboxes, texts, phone calls, Facebook posts.

If you don’t know the person who is offering, please be cautious. Some parts of New Zealand have already had scammers who are promising to do shopping, taking the money, and never seen again.

In Oxford a few of us are setting up a system to match volunteers with people in isolation who would like a little help. Every volunteer has to provide proof of identity before they are accepted. Helpers can sign up here.

If you need some help, you will also soon be able to use a form on this website. You can also phone Angelina (027 7720015) or Shaz (021 0776553). or Keri (3123363 or 027 3787787).

We’ll soon be printing some circulars that can be handed out locally – then future batches later. (If you can help with that, please use the sign-up form.)