‘The coronavirus crisis has shown us how special people here are’
LOCKDOWN IN ONE OF WALES’‘MOST DEPRIVED AREAS’
MORE deprived areas of Wales have been hit harder by the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Figures show that, between March 1 and April 17, the most deprived areas in Wales had a mortality rate for deaths involving COVID-19 of 44.6 deaths per 100,000 population.
This was almost twice as high as the least deprived area of 23.2 deaths per 100,000 population.
At the end of November of last year, statistics by the Welsh Government revealed that the poorest area in Gwynedd was the Peblig ward in Caernarfon.
Our sister paper, the Daily Post spoke to residents of the ward about how they are dealing with everyday life during the coronavirus crisis.
Jason Wayne Parry, the Gwynedd county councillor for the ward, has been working to protect the most vulnerable in his community.
At the beginning of lockdown, he arranged a community support group to help those that would struggle during the pandemic.
“We held a public meeting at the rugby club in Caernarfon and decided to bring a group together called Cofis Curo Corona [Cofis Beating Corona],” he said.
“We elected four coordinators to look after areas of Caernarfon, and I was in charge of my ward Peblig.
“The aim was to look after vulnerable people and those that would have to self-isolate.”
Every week, Cllr Parry and 16 other volunteers collect shopping and prescriptions for residents, as well as doing dog walking and acting as a point of contact for people in need.
“It’s not just about giving these people what they need, it’s to show them that we are here for them even if they need us, even if it’s simply for a chat,” he said.
“The way I see it, one day I’m going to be old and needing help, and it’s reassuring to know that my community will be there for me.
“What’s been remarkable is that so many local businesses have donated, and young people have been willing to help out, even potentially putting their health at risk to help those that need their help.
“That’s what this community is all about.”
Chris Hughes is one of the volunteers helping out in the Peblig ward.
He said: “I decided to volunteer because I wanted to help out.
“When he was alive, my dad suffered with an illness that meant he couldn’t leave the house, and I think to some extent, I can understand the experience so many are going through right now.
“You realise how thankful people are that you are helping them out. It can be emotional at times as well.
“These people are clearly in a difficult situation and a situation we never imagined we’d be in.
“But there’s a lot to learn from this experience.
“I hope that we continue with this sense of unity long after the pandemic is over.”
Eighty-year-old Mary Evans has lived on a cul-de-sac in the Peblig ward for 56 years.
As a type-2 diabetic, she is at high risk from coronavirus and has to stay indoors to shield from the disease.
Mrs Evans has remained home since the beginning of lockdown, but said it was part of her life even before the restrictions.
“At the end of last year, I became seriously ill and was in hospital for nine weeks,” she said.
“I’m used to staying in the house all day, so the lockdown has been quite steady for me.
“My carers still come here. I try to remain optimistic and keep myself occupied.
“When I heard about the pandemic, it was a shock. We’ve never been in a situation like this.
“I don’t think you can compare it to any war.
“I was born in 1940, my family and I had no food, and I was always hungry.
“For me personally, I’m in a better place, but I think what scares people the most is that it’s an unseen threat.”
Since lockdown, Mrs Evans has kept in regular contact with her neighbours on the street, who have been a constant source of comfort and support for her.
She said: “The main thing I miss the most about normal life is not seeing my family so often.
“But my neighbours have been coming into the garden, chatting with me over the phone and making sure that I have everything I need.
“You realise in these situations that it’s the people that make this place so special. We’re close, we all get along and we get on with it.”
Caernarfon’s mayor Tudor Owen has been a town councillor for the Peblig ward for 30 years.
“Peblig might be considered a deprived area, but it’s not as bad as what people think,” he said.
“Of course, we are faced with challenges most areas face, such as unemployment, which has obviously become a massive issue now because a family member has lost a job or is on furlough.
“Right now, we’re focusing on protecting the elderly and the vulnerable in our communities, and making sure that our support and help is distributed equally between all communities in Caernarfon.
“I hope that sentiment will continue even after the lockdown is over.
“Life will go on, but I hope people’s generosity and sense of community will continue.”