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‘My Neighbour’ app launches to support communities during lockdown and beyond
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Sussex-based media and tech development company, MediaBite Group, has produced a completely free, web-based platform to support people from vulnerable social groups across the UK by connecting them with volunteers who live in their immediate vicinity.
Using the myneighbour.uk app, volunteers can provide services to at-risk groups and individuals including the collection and delivery of essential medication, groceries and can also offer to help with an increasing number of activities such as dog walking.
'The number of vulnerable people in the UK runs into millions. This is where the ‘My Neighbour’ app steps in.’
Helping the helpers
Volunteer groups and associations across the UK have been struggling to manage amidst the increased demand on resources during the coronavirus pandemic. The most prolific scheme to date has been led by the Royal Voluntary Service, which has been delivering the NHS Volunteer Responders campaign.
The response to the NHS Volunteer Responders campaign saw a staggering 750,000 people apply to support, but since reaching 3 times the number originally requested, the scheme was closed on the 29th March 2020. It has not opened for further volunteer registration since.
Whilst these volunteers have committed to helping many thousands of people up and down the country, the number of vulnerable people in the UK runs into the millions and so a great deal more help is needed. This is where the ‘My Neighbour’ app steps in.
Produced by a group of pan-European developers, the app has seen collaboration from teams in London and Brighton as well as Germany and Romania. It is completely free for all users, simple-to-navigate, safe, secure and has already launched in both Germany and Romania where it has been serving thousands of people ahead of its UK launch.
Simple, Intuitive & Accessible
The app is simple to register as a volunteer, and as easy for beneficiaries to locate volunteers in their area. Made for mobile, the My Neighbour app will also adapt for use on desktop devices and tablets for ease of use.
Volunteers can also be identified by relatives or friends of those in need. People with friends and family members who are unable to help their loved ones due to large distances, technophobia or self-isolation will find the new app particularly helpful.
There’s even a downloadable poster within the app for those not connected to the internet. Simply download a poster, fill it in with the beneficiary’s details, and display it in the local area for potential volunteers to see.
Simon Skinner: Managing Director, MediaBite Group, said: “The team at MediaBite Group is used to developing complex, problem-solving solutions for clients large and small. We recognised the need for the app and have been working tirelessly to produce the My Neighbour platform since. We are positive that it will help vulnerable individuals and volunteers across the UK at this troubling time and beyond the current health crisis. ‘My Neighbour will help at-risk individuals to reduce social exposure whilst providing a conduit for volunteers, volunteer groups and associations, right across the UK.
The app is now available at www.myneighbour.uk and is open for use by individuals and volunteer groups of all sizes, right across the UK.
