CLOSER working with Dorset volunteers and community organisations will continue after the pandemic crisis has eased.

Cllr Laura Miller, the Dorset Council lead for adult social services, says the way people have risen to the challenge on the pandemic has been ‘amazing’ and she says she is determined not to lose the new ways of working.

“We have sped into a collaborative way of working with the barriers just simply removed and it’s my determination not to lose that way of working as we get into our ‘new normal’, whatever that looks like. I hope that our community and voluntary organisations know how much we value them as equal partners, with different, but equally essential skills…

“Our teams have mobilised, innovated and delivered quickly, but also, most importantly, compassionately,” she told this week's online council Cabinet meeting.

She said she had been astonished by the professionalism and dedication of council officers involved in the work – as well as their humour and commitment, with teams working 8am to 8pm seven days a week to meet the need.

Praise was also offered to the council’s drive through hub which had been quickly set up to provide PPE to carers as well as to others such as funeral directors, opticians and other groups which might come into contact with those who might be infected with Covid 19.

She said the council had significantly changed the way it works and had shown how it valued the county’s residents.

“It struck me very quickly how we have been the only lifeline and support that some people have,” she said.

“This crisis has highlighted that our most valuable asset is each other. We’ve got a long time ahead of us yet, we are not out of the crisis period.”

She said one elderly lady mis-heard a description of herself as 'valued' person, rather than 'vulnerable' . Cllr Miller said that description had now stuck within the department with vulnerable residents now routinely referred to as valued by staff.