An idea to ‘connect the community’ of Saundersfoot during the pandemic crisis whilst also making sure help is on hand if needed has seen a Facebook group garner nearly 2,000 members since the lockdown.

The ‘Saundersfoot Connect’ group came to fruition following the merging of two ideas to prepare a network of volunteers and create a social media page to assist those in the seaside village and its surrounding area.

“Dilys Hackett chair of Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism and I were working on a card to be delivered to 1,500 homes and the four ladies behind the Facebook page were working on a Connect page,” explained county councillor for Saundersfoot Phil Baker.

“The two ideas were ‘smashed’ together to provide a village wide safety net and communication platform, covering residents on social media, e-mail, text and telephone.

“The Connect group is not meant to replace family, friends or good neighbours but provides comfort to residents with family who do not live in the locality, with over 80 volunteers available.

“The ‘connectors’ have seen there have been calls from Essex, Norfolk, Glasgow and Cardiff, and to date we have dealt with over 60 enquiries and another 60 requests for help with prescriptions and medication.

“So successful is Saundersfoot Connect that we are receiving calls from New Hedges, Pentlepoir, Wooden, Jeffreston, Kilgetty and Tenby

“We are linking closely with the PCC Community Hub and PAVS to ensure that we are available across as many platforms as possible,” continued Clr. Baker.

Locals Sara Hicks, Sarah Whiddett, Ladan Harper and Jackie Taylor who helped set up the group said they have been bowled over by the positive response.

“We started off with just the four of us, and within just three hours we were up to 500 members, and it’s quickly growing as people spread the word,” said Jackie.

“We don’t want to dwell on the negatives, there are plenty of other places for that,” said Ladan.

Sarah added: “We are providing a resource for people to share information about what’s available in the village – what shops are open, who’s offering take-away food for example.

“And we have been bowled over by the number of individuals offering help, both physical, such as running errands, and online, such as yoga classes, reiki, financial advice and more.”

One of the volunteers to put their name forward to help is BBC Wales’ X-Ray presenter Rachel Treadaway-Williams who resides in the village, with her first official task to deliver leaflets to the community

“I decided to drop some cut flowers from my garden along with the leaflets to those who were deemed most in need of a cheer up,” she said.

“Saundersfoot Connect is working brilliantly. All the requests for help that cannot be delivered over Facebook are channelled via Phil who then calls on the person closest/most appropriate from the volunteering list.

“I know Phil has been contacted by concerned relatives far and wide who have a potentially vulnerable individual within the community and are keen to make sure help is on hand if needed,” she continued.

From Rachel’s point of view as a TV presenter, the broadcasting of the popular X-Ray programme has naturally been disrupted, but she has continued to work from home.

“We had an episode going out on Monday (April 6) containing material we filmed prior to the lockdown so one task was to record my voice track on a handheld recorder under my duvet for maximum soundproofing!” she continued.

“Never before have I had to wait for my neighbour to finish mowing their lawn to communicate the finer details of an X-Ray investigation! ” laughed the host.

“I think at a time when we are all feeling nervous and a little lost, having a sense of purpose, as provided by Saundersfoot Connect, is very helpful,” added Rachel.

Clr. Baker continued: “As County Councillor for Saundersfoot, I am so overwhelmed by the spirit of our community. Saundersfoot Connect supported by Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism and Saundersfoot Community Council have joined forces with 80 volunteer connectors to ensure that there is a safety network for any resident who is shielding or self isolating.

“I look forward to helping to organise the biggest beach party Saundersfoot has ever seen when we come to the end of this lockdown and we return to normal!” he remarked.