An online support group to help people cope with the coronavirus outbreak in Mansfield and Ashfield is providing advice to thousands of people.

Mansfield and Ashfield Area Support Group was set up by Joanne Barfield just over two weeks ago – ahead of the lockdown – when some items were low on stock in shops.

Joanne, of Skegby, said she wanted the support group to be a place where “we can all share help and support the elderly and the vulnerable in our community. To share where items can be found in the area and also offer help to anyone that needs it.”

Now she said the success of the support group – which already has more than 3,000 members – was a reminder that “there are still good people out there”.

Joanne has been helped by Lisa Angell, Lynsey Fearon, Helen Capewell, Esther Head, Karen McNulty and Joanne Wren, who are also administrators for the Mansfield and Ashfield Area Support Group Facebook page.

They said the group’s members had fetched shopping for those that can’t go out, collected medicines, promoted the delivery services of local businesses and much more.

“Members have joined together to bring a real community spirit back. It’s such a positive group,” they said. “We have found every item (needed) between us, delivered shopping, picked up medicines and even walked a dog!

“Amongst all the doom and gloom and news channels full of fear, this has definitely reminded us that there are still good people out there.”

To find the group search for Mansfield & Ashfield Area Support Group on Facebook.