Reason launches COVID-19 response app with support from AWS connecting volunteers, with the UK’s most vulnerable

• nearby.help created to match up those in need with community helpers
• Free to use mobile app to ensure requests for help are met
  

London, 6^th May: Digital product agency Reason has today announced that it is launching nearby.help, a free mobile app serving as a COVID-19 response app developed to connect people in isolation with volunteers nearby.

The app is designed to both simplify the matching process and deliver a secure way of protecting both volunteers and those in need. It provides real-time identity verification by automatically extracting ID document data and validating the user and their digital identity in seconds – providing peace of mind to concerned relatives who are unable to help.

At a time of unprecedented change and unrest, over the last few weeks the UK has witnessed extraordinary acts of kindness and community spirit arise, as millions of volunteers across the country step up to help those affected by COVID-19.

From collecting groceries or medication for affected neighbours, to simply being there for someone to speak to on the phone, there are countless ways that people in their community are offering support and assistance. London alone has seen almost 150 Facebook and WhatsApp groups set up, with some boasting up to 2.5 million members, demonstrating the true power of people when they come together for a good cause.

Karl Schulenburg,Technology Director, Reason, says: “There hasn’t been a global pandemic like this in more than 100 years. Technology can change the way we handle this at a community level, however with group chats and social media overrun with articles, conversations, and messages, people are finding it hard to cut through the overload of information. nearby.help is able to harness this remarkable community spirit and put helpers in touch with those self-isolating nearby, in a simple and effective way.

Reason has the people and skills needed to produce unique digital products and bring them to market quickly. Our team passionately wanted to help and have worked tirelessly to get this out ASAP.”

 The COVID-19 response app benefits from Amazon Web Services (AWS) has provided AWS credits to support the new app initiative. Additionally Jumio have provided ID verification, and Auth0 provide identity management.

This is a Social Good project that Reason has created to help fight the Social impact of COVID-19 and help communities operate in the changing landscape. The app is available to download here:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/nearby-help/id1505302897
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.reason.help.nearby