Good news stories in the time of Coronavirus

Coronavirus is a big challenge to people across the world, but the crisis is also bringing out the best in people. We thought it was important to share a few examples of people coming together within our communities to help others.

Sunflower seeds in Willington

Sue, a Healthwatch volunteer, has reported that people in Willington have set up a community support service to assist vulnerable residents. The volunteers have acquired over 1000 sunflower seeds which they will plant to bring an abundance of colour to aid mental health in their community.

Delivering tablets to keep people connected

Healthwatch staff have supported Hinderton Mount Care Home in Neston with reducing isolation by providing Android tablets to the care home. The staff at the home say the tablets help to enable residents to keep in touch with family and friends on a regular basis.

Friday Quiz Night

Healthwatch volunteer Jenny coordinated with her family across the world to take part in a quiz through social media. 7 teams took part in the quiz which helped to reduce social isolation and bring families together.

Ellesmere Port Self-Isolation Help

The people of Ellesmere Port are providing support to those who are self-isolating but who do not qualify for support from the local authority. This service provides food bags with bread, milk, tins, pasta, rice, drinks and special dietary requirements, baby food and toiletries on request. To find out more information about this scheme:

Call: 0151 357 2092

Email: EPortHelp@gmail.com

More information on how you can donate to support this scheme is available on the West Cheshire Foodbank Website.

Virtual Coffee Morning

The monthly Making Space coffee morning ran as normal at Winsford Library, but with everyone connected online by video link. One of our Healthwatch staff joined the call and experienced everyone connecting with each other and chatting as normal. A young girl with learning difficulties performed her favourite song to the group to which she has rewritten the words to make everyone feel better under the current circumstances.

To find more information on the Winsford Library or clubs it runs, you can visit the library website here.

Boaters Told To Stay Put

The Canal and River Trust  have now told boaters to stay put and to ask for help. They have lifted the 14 day restriction on mooring.  Movement is now only for essential purposes only.  The Boaters are staying along the canalside where they were at the time of Lockdown. They have been told if there are no services nearby they are allowed to move to an area where they can reach services by walking.

‘If Only’ 

‘If Only’ is a poem written by A.R. Pearson who is a member of the Making Space Carers Group in Northwich and Winsford. The members of the group want to remind others to stay safe and to stay positive. To find out more visit Making Space Website or  Making Space Facebook Page.

Mind

Mind is that they are currently working with over 250 people across Cheshire. They have daily videos of walks through nature and this is joint with a mindfulness session that anyone can watch. People who are shielding have found this very enjoyable as they get to see more of the world than they currently are at the minute and it is improving their wellbeing. They are also doing tea and talk sessions and quiet zones on Zoom where they introduce sleep and meditation techniques. They have also dropped off buckets and seeds to the houses of those who are shielding to promote gardening and wellbeing. They have made this into a competition. To find out more, visit Mind.

Virtual judge for Saughalls VE Day celebration

If you hear of any local initiatives please let us know by emailing info@healthwatchcheshire.org.uk