The founder of a Coronavirus 19 support group is 'delighted' at attracting more than 1,600 supporters since she launched the group last weekend.

Former academic Julie Coleman has created Oakham Neighbours as an informal voluntary group putting people in contact with one another during the Covid-19 isolation period.

It operates on the principle of well-intentioned good will to offer practical help and friendship to anyone who is self-isolation in and around Oakham.

Julie told Oakham Nub News she was thinking about how her own mum might be supported if she went into self-isolation. While her own mum would have plenty of people to help, others may not and they may have difficulty using the internet to buy supplies.

When the Oakham Neighbours Covid-19 Support Group was formed last weekend, Julie expected a few dozen supporters, with it eventually growing into a few hundred. However, after a few days, the numbers joining it have topped 1,600.

Julie told Nub News: "It has made me realise the scale of what we are dealing with."

"There are lots of people in Oakham wanting to do something to help or they maybe in need themseleves. But the way things are going, some who can offer support may need other help in return."

The support group aims to offer delivery services or more likely, simply just make themselves available to chat to people by telephone so those self-isolating don't get too lonely.

Neighbourhood groups would be formed aiming to look after several streets so people would have more in common with those they are trying to help.

Julie continued: "Most of what we will do will be by phone or online. Some people will want help with shopping. We can help with that but most of our work will be social support.

"We want to make people in isolation feel they are not forgotten, especially the older people. The threat to their mental health is enormous. After several months isolation, going back into the works will be intimidating.

"If we have members who can show they care about you, that will help with the transition."

Anyone wanting to help or is in need of support is asked to leave a message on the Oakham Neighbours Covid-19 support group Facebook page or email [email protected].

Oakham Nub news is sharing the latest government advice on CoronaVirus, which can be seen here.