Kind-hearted cop helps keep elderly South Shields siblings safe during coronavirus lockdown
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
PCSO Gayle Muizelaar was on patrol in Horsley Hill Square in the town when she spotted an elderly woman walking to a bus stop.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe approached the woman to speak to her about why she was outside and to see if there was any way that she could help.
Joyce, 74, explained how she was out for essential medication and to shop for her 76-year-old brother who had just been discharged from hospital.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdConcerned that Joyce was leaving her home, and potentially putting herself and brother at risk, Gayle provided the number for a support team.
Last week Gayle re-visited Joyce where she revealed that she had contacted Hebburn Hub and was due to receive a food parcel the next day.
Gayle then visited her brother and made arrangements for him to receive a food parcel and have vital medication delivered to his door-step.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“This was a fantastic gesture by Gayle who used her initiative and approached Joyce in the street to have a chat,” said Chief Supt Pitt.
“They struck up a conversation and Gayle was concerned enough to try to make arrangements so both Joyce and her brother could self-isolate.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Both are now receiving the support they need that will allow them to remain at home and safeguard themselves.
“If you are vulnerable and are still having to leave your home to get supplies then please know that support is out there – don’t put yourselves at risk.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Likewise, if you know a vulnerable person who is having to shop for their own food and supplies then see if you can get support on their behalf.
“We have a fantastic community here in the North East and we need to work together now more than ever to save lives.”
For details of what local support is available for vulnerable people, members of the public can visit the website of your local authority.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIf you are concerned that a vulnerable person may be taken advantage of, or is the victim of crime, then please report it on the Northumbria Police website.
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOur journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.
Thank you.
How to subscribe to the print edition:
It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.