Mutual Aid Road Reps (MARR) was set up in March and has leafleted every home across Medway. We have have quickly become the largest volunteer group in Medway, with over 200 volunteers on call who are promptly and efficiently supporting the elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating households to collect and deliver food, prescriptions and supplies. We have also launched the Let's Get Chatty services allowing those in isolation to speak to others in their community.
Founded by the pairing of two localized groups in Twydall and Pattens Lane, the community has been greatly appreciative of the efforts of MARR.
Some quotes from service users have been
‘Thank you so much for your help & kindness. It is a wonderful thing you and your band are doing at this difficult time.'
‘Want to give a big shout out of thanks to MARR. What a fabulous bunch of people, they got me some milk, bread and potatoes last week as I have been shielding for the past 3 weeks as a vulnerable person… I can’t thank them enough for their kindness during such a tough time. Well done guys, stay safe.’
One of MARR’s co-founders, Kate Belmonte, who was recent interviewed said ‘Our community is undergoing a rapid transformation and where once we passed each other on the street, without even a smile, we are now virtually embracing each other, day after day. Mutual Aid Road Reps is providing the tools to help our neighbours so that we can bridge the gap of isolation through simple kindness and friendship, reaching out beyond our front doors. I feel like we have launched a revolution, against the status quo and are rediscovering how to support ourselves by working together. We call on everyone in Medway to join us on this amazing journey and fight the fear with love and compassion’
Our first Crowdfunder raised £1196 from community members, leaders and organisations,our aim now is to continue on our journey whilst supporting those reliant on our services. Continue to provide both volunteers and shielded households with PPE and establish a website.