A former mental health volunteer is helping others during the coronavirus outbreak by buying and delivering food to people who are self-isolating.

Kerri Rose Cupit, 31, who lives in South Oxhey, began reaching out to people through Facebook groups earlier this month.

Ms Cupit said she spends most of her time - starting from 9am and sometimes finishing at 9pm - searching for donations, buying food from her own pocket and delivering to people in need.

She currently delivers to the elderly and vulnerable who are self-isolating in South Oxhey and Carpenders Park.

She said: "I help to deliver food like vegetables and canned items and other daily essentials.

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Watford Observer:

Kerri Rose Cupit delivers food to those in need. Photo: Kerri Rose Cupit

"I get some donations from shops and I have been speaking with a local milk man who has offered to deliver milk to people struggling to get out their house.

"I also pick up and deliver medication."

Ms Cupit, who has fibromyalgia, which causes chronic pain, has said the work she does is "fulfilling", but admitted it can be stressful.

Watford Observer:

Photo: Kerri Rose Cupit

She added: "People have been saying nice things, that I haven't heard for a long time and are being really positive about the work I'm doing.

"Usually, I head out out at 9am not getting home until 9pm at night, it took me nine days after starting this to realise that I couldn't do it everyday.

"I found it was difficult to have dinner and keep my house clean - and I had to make sure my house is clean as I'm providing food. So, I had a bit of a burnout.

Watford Observer:

Photo: Kerri Rose Cupit

"Sometimes my health condition can be quite painful. One day, I had really sore legs and I couldn't leave the house and I had to send out volunteers to do deliveries.

But Ms Cupit said it has been difficult finding volunteers and so she has to do the work alone which can come with challenges.

Ms Cupit, who has volunteered at Herts Mind, Step Up and Hertswise is also providing people with links to helplines where they can seek support.

Watford Observer:

Photo: Kerri Rose Cupit

She added: "I have done my training with Mind, so if someone says they're really struggling then they can chat to me or vent. I can also refer them to care lines or crisis teams."

Ms Cupit has set up a fundraising page to help pay for some of provisions so she can continue her work.

To support her work, go to: gofundme.com/1xuzu03rmo