A Facebook group has been set up to encourage the people of Milton Keynes to come together and help those who are elderly, vulnerable or need extra assistance during the coronavirus outbreak.

The group, called Milton Keynes COVID-19 (Taking care of our neighbours), is asking those who are "well and healthy and would like to help others" to let people know what help they can provide.

Its main aim is to help those who may be struggling during this difficult time. This could range from collecting somebody's prescription, picking up and delivering groceries, to just having a chat over the phone.

Teresa Martignetti set up the group to create a safe open space for people in our community to reach out and connect with others during this uncertain time. Teresa told MKFM: "I have been overwhelmed by the response so far, I believe the more we can connect now, the more proactive we can be.

"One of the things I think is important with groups like this is to have members of the public who can safeguard the vulnerable too, so I welcome people with this expertise to join. I would like the community to know that they are not alone, there is genuine support for them and we are all in this together."

Pippa Kate Jackson is an admin of the group and says that being agoraphobic means she knows the effect isolation can have on people. She added: "I know how it feels to be uncertain on when or where the next pack of nappies or baby wipes are going to come from, the loneliness that comes with not being able to leave the house and the importance of emotional and practical support in that situation.

"I have offered donor milk to any mother with a young baby struggling to buy stage 1 formula because I can't imagine how scary that is. And by helping to run this group, I'm encouraging our community to support each other."

In just 24 hours, the group has nearly 500 members and is continuing to grow. It has already provided help to those who need it. One member said: "Testament that these groups work. I’ve just dropped some paracetamol, loo roll and chocolate to someone in isolation as they most likely have the virus. They wouldn’t have contacted me if it wasn’t for this group! Thank you so much for setting this page up."

Another person added: "We are lucky to live in a great town, full of lovely, kind people."

Would you like to help the MK community? You can join the group Milton Keynes COVID-19 (Taking care of our neighbours) on Facebook by clicking here.