Communities across West Somerset are coming together to fight back against the coronavirus pandemic and help those most in need through this difficult time.

We have a high proportion of “at risk” people in the district who need support as they follow advice to stay in their homes.

So to help, we are today launching a Lend a Helping Hand campaign to try to ensure that those who might be vulnerable in the current climate get all the support they need from their community.

If you feel you can provide any assistance to those nearby – perhaps an elderly neighbour or someone who is self-isolating – we’re offering you a way to make contact and let them known you are willing to help them.

Simply fill in and cut out our coupon on the front of today’s paper and post it through a neighbour’s letterbox – feel free to use as many copies as you like.

They can then call, text or email you to let you know they would welcome some help and tell you what they need.

It’s an easy way to make contact, while still following Government advice on reducing social contact as much as you can.

This might mean you leaving shopping on a doorstep for them to collect after you have left. But at least you will have provided them with the things they need.

It is clear that there is already a lot of support available, and towns and villages are setting up support groups in the wake of Government advice that those in the “at risk” categories should stay at home for 12 weeks.

For instance, we have stories inside on how Porlock and Watchet have acted quickly – so if you have set up a help group let us know and we can spread the word.

Please remember that while many people are in contact through social media, there are many others who are not but would welcome a Helping Hand.