The Duchess of Cornwall visited Wiltshire Council on Monday to thank the staff for their innovative work protecting vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

HRH met with staff who were critical to the council’s response, including those working at the seven-day contact centre the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub.

During the pandemic, the hub made direct contact with over 24,000 of Wiltshire’s most vulnerable residents, as well as working with over 450 voluntary groups to distribute over 1,400 food parcels.

Terence Herbert, Chief Executive, said: “It was a huge honour to welcome The Duchess of Cornwall to Wiltshire Council.

“I am incredibly proud of the work undertaken by our staff during the pandemic and this visit provided us with an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the many services who have contributed to the council’s response.

“Many staff were working seven days a week during the pandemic and many services are still operating a seven-day rota now as we continue to see cases increase again across the country.

“I am extremely grateful to my staff for all the hard work and commitment they have shown and continue to show during the current crisis.

“It was wonderful to see this recognised in such a way today.”

Her Royal Highness also met with staff who worked to set-up and support over 420 community and voluntary groups across Wiltshire during the pandemic as well as staff supporting the council’s education and care providers and staff who, like so many others, have had to adjust to significant changes to the way they work.

During her visit to County Hall which was undertaken under strict Covid-19 regulations, Her Royal Highness also met with Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard and the Mayor of Trowbridge Peter Fuller.