Pub and shop team up to help vulnerable in the community

IT IS all about community spirit, says a pub and corner shop duo, who are aiming to get neighbours their groceries, a cup of tea and a copy of the Guernsey Press as islanders batten down the hatches.

Picture by Sophie Rabey. 18-03-20. The Plough Inn have teamed up with Contree Mansell to help their neighbours in the local area who may not be able to get out in these times of self-isolation of the Cornavirus. Sophie Easden, the shop manager at Contree Mansell is taking food orders over the phone and Richard Skipper, the pub landlord at the Plough, is helping to deliver the goods along with volunteers. the 'Plough Out' charity is also giving people a free Guernsey Press and litre of milk with every delivery.. (27542337)

The Plough Inn pub and Contree Mansell Stores have teamed up to help those who either need to self-isolate or feel it is appropriate to stay at home during the coronavirus crisis by offering to make deliveries of basic groceries.

‘We recognise that in the next few weeks, or even days, it may difficult to get out for essential supplies,’ said pub landlord Richard Skipper.

‘My mum is 88 years old and lives in Brighton and she’s worried about what’s happening and not going out – that highlighted to me how some people may be feeling. I knocked on some houses round here just to check in and realised there are some vulnerable people who may need those who are able to, to help them out and support them.’

Contree Mansell Stores manager Sophie Easden said they have had a fantastic response from islanders wanting to help them put the free delivery service into practice.

‘So far there’s been a number of people offering to help with deliveries,’ she said.

‘We’ve set up a Facebook group called ‘Ploughinn through’ with Contree Mansell Stores where people can contact us as well as by text and phoning us and we’ve sent out letters in the neighbourhood to all those who may not be online.

‘There are several regulars who would come into our shop that would fall into the category of being vulnerable and we want them to know that we’re still here for them, it doesn’t end at simply just being a customer, we’re a community too.’

In addition, the pub’s own community support initiative Plough Inn, Plough Out has also pledged to provide a free copy of the Guernsey Press and a litre of milk to keep locals up-to-date with the news while having a brew.

‘This is an unprecedented time,’ added Mr Skipper.

‘It’s unknown how long this will be for, so to help out where we can is what’s best and although it might not change the world, it might mean the world to one person.’

n Items available to deliver at home, the Plough Inn, a safe place or a neighbour, include milk and toilet roll, with the full list on Facebook, searching for PloughInnThrough.

Orders made before noon will be delivered by 4pm the same day, otherwise after noon may be delivered between 6pm and 8pm the same day or any time after 9am throughout following day.

Payments for groceries are to be made to the shop over the phone by card via the shop manager or by cash upon delivery.

To contact, Mr Skipper can be reached on 07781152121. With Ms Easden contactable on 07911 750987 or by email at sophiejeasden@gmail.com.