Neighbourhood Support Whanganui's area co-ordinator, Trudi Deane, is "thrilled" to see people sending in photos of chalk drawings on pavements, teddy bears in windows and small gestures that "keep spirits up" during the level four
Covid 19 coronavirus: Whanganui's Neighbourhood Support offering help during lockdown
Deane said that the Neighbourhood Support team was working from home, but was still available for anyone who needed help or support.
"We're sending out a lot of emails and making phone calls, and trying to keep the community up to date with all the latest updates.
"We have over 400 contacts throughout Whanganui, and they can look out for the elderly members of the community especially.
"It's good to make sure curtains are being opened in the morning, and those who might not have many loved ones around have someone to reach out to.
"Even down to sharing fruit and clearing letterboxes."
Deane said there were 4400 members of Neighbourhood Support, with 400 street contacts.
"Neighbourhood Support groups are great for creating safe, resilient and connected communities, and crime prevention is at the top of the list," she said.
"We work in partnership with the Police to share the weekly burglary statistics as well as car theft statistics and other vital safety information from our partner agencies.
• Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website
If you're in need of assistance through the alert level 4 lockdown, Neighbourhood Watch New Zealand has a hotline available, which will connect you with a trained counsellor. You can call or txt 1737, 24 hours a day.
"Keep up the good work looking out for your neighbours, and keep connected with those around you, at a safe distance of course," Deane said.