Huddle Puddle volunteer online database launches

By Richard Watkins

We are Hassocks residents living in a street comprising 26 bungalows. Recently, because of the Covid-19 threat, I organised a neighbours’ contact group via WhatsApp.

Only half the responders have WhatsApp, some have just landline and some local family (therefore consider themselves supported). I also found out that most of the residents, like us, are over 70.

This set me thinking about the wider world of communities and the potential issues we all face over the coming months with isolation and a completely new approach to living our day to day lives.

I spoke to our son, who owns a technology development business, and we brainstormed ideas on how to create a not-for-profit community contact and services computerised system.

The idea, in summary, is to create a verified register of local volunteers; a similar register of any household in the community needing some form of assistance; and a form of bulletin board, which will be used to record ‘things’ to be delivered and track the timely and actual delivery.

The volunteer verification process is critical. We will ask potential volunteers to complete an online application, using the same checks as for a bank account opening. There are secondary levels that might be used, for example the acceptance of certified DBS applicants.

Once accepted, volunteers will be given a unique identification and a ‘virtual’ identity card that will be used for any communication or interaction into the service.

Homeowners will need to provide address verification and postcode details. The postcode is critical as it enables the easy identification of the household needing help, which will assist with deliveries.

We want the service to be inclusive and understand that not everybody has access to, or is confident with, internet-based services. We will cater for this by the use of mobile phone or near-neighbour ‘buddies’.

There is lots more information available on our website, which we invite you to view: www.huddle-puddle.com

There is also an option for the reader to add an indicator that they think the idea is valuable and, also optional, add further basic details so that we can keep you informed of progress.

It is my hope that we can be up and operational shortly and that this system is able to help those most in need in our communities.