A new scheme has been launched by Runnymede Borough Council to support local people in the fight against coronavirus. Voluntary Covid Community Champions have been recruited to communicate the latest guidance to more residents.
Fourteen volunteers from around the borough have agreed to distribute key, apolitical messages sourced from Central Government, the Borough and county council and Public Health England to their friends, families and people they know through clubs, sports groups and societies.
The champions include people who have an established network within the community including people from faith, voluntary and community groups. Four Borough councillors have also volunteered to be champions – Cllr Mark Adams, Cllr Isabel Mullens, Cllr Robert King and Cllr Donald Whyte. The champions will be responsible for sending this on to their own members or posting these key messages on to their social media platforms.
Cllr Elaine Gill, Mayor of Runnymede, said: “Having Covid Champions is a brilliant resource to support local people as it enables us to reach a wider range of Runnymede residents and remind them of how they should behave in line with lockdown laws and guidance. I’d like to thank the volunteers who have come forward to do their bit in the national effort.
“We hope this scheme will also help to eradicate any misinformation being circulated around about what people can and cannot do.”
Cllr Gill added: I want to thank the vast majority of people who are complying with the current restrictions and helping stop the spread of this deadly virus. We will get through this together.”
The Council is still looking for more volunteers to help and become Covid Community Champions. If you or someone you know has a large social media following or local connections, email:
covidchampions@runnymede.gov.uk for more information.
Keep up to date with the latest government guidance on coronavirus, www.gov.uk
