Sisters showing community spirit
Kind-hearted sisters are keeping community spirit alive and well amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Six-year-old Sarah-Jayne Forrest and sister Amie, 5, are determined to lift their elderly neighbours’spirits by lending a helping hand.
The St Leonards girls, who attend Blacklaw Primary, have been posting cards through letter boxes in Avondale Avenue encouraging residents to join a community Whats
App group, set up by their mum Lorna.
The family hope by showing a little kindness in this time of uncertainty, the community will get through it together.
Lorna told the News:“The girls were asking what coronavirus was all about and wanted to know what they could do to help the elderly and vulnerable in our street, so we decided to set up a WhatsApp group as an open invitation.
“We went for a walk and posted cards through letter boxes and had 10 households reply in just a few hours saying it was a great idea.
“It looks like the elderly are going to have to self isolate for quite some time so this way no one feels alone if they’re stuck inside during these worrying times.”
The girls plan to help with shopping, deliver books and even keep people’s spirits up by singing to them on their doorsteps.
On Monday every Brit over the age of 70 was told to stay at home for 12 weeks to protect themselves from coronavirus, from this weekend.
The government released social distancing advice for the elderly, anyone with underlying health conditions and pregnant women.
The Forrest family also revealed plans to keep the show of kindness going once the crisis is over.
“We want to bring a bit of community spirit and, once this is all over, keep things going to get to know our neighbours better and show that people still care”, added Lorna.
“I hope that other streets follow suit and do something similar. If we all support each other we will get through this.”
Elsewhere, St Bridget’s Church in Eaglesham are offering help to anyone who is self-isolating during the outbreak.
A team of volunteers are on standby to bring shopping or medication to anyone in need.
A spokesperson said:“It’s encouraging that many communities are taking steps to care for neighbours. Praying that you stay safe and well.”
Get in touch with Helen Knotts Dougall via Facebook or call the church on 01355 303298.