WHEN the coronavirus pandemic broke out Axminster Town Council moved quickly to set up a strategy to support the community.

The council hosted a meeting of community groups with town, district and county councillors in attendance which has led to the formation of ACER (Axminster Community Emergency Response) to support vulnerable residents during the coronavirus crisis.

The response has been described as "phenomenal" and has demonstrated how strong the community spirit is in the town.

Since its launch in April, ACER's fundraising appeal has brought in £10,000, they have received more than 1,000 helpline calls and distributed food parcels to nearly 750 needy people.

Nearly 200 volunteers have been recruited, supporting 120 households, and 700 prescriptions have been delivered to people's homes.

ACER have produced an information leaflet which has been widely distributed in the town and have set up a helpline on 01297 35550.

The initiative is being supported by the police, East Devon and county councillors and Axminster Medical Practice and the Axminster Community Nursing and Social Care teams.

A number of community organisations are also backing the scheme, including Axminster Care Service, Light Up Axminster, Axminster Churches Together, The Food Bank, Arc, Axminster health and Wellbeing Centre, The Community Waffle House Halff, Nourish and Home Safeguard.

The Acer steering team is meeting twice a week via Zoom to ensure all the volunteer agencies are coordinated.