Poetry on postcards brings a message of hope to Renfrewshire
Tannahill Makar Brian’s snapshots to boost the vulnerable
Colourful postcards designed to help vulnerable people stay connected with their friends and family during the coronavirus pandemic will be sent out by Renfrewshire Council this week.
Everyone who is receiving food and medicine deliveries from the local authority will see a postcard popped through their door in the coming days which they can send onto their loved ones they have not been able to see, or display in their windows.
Each postcard will include an illustrated poem on it by Tannahill Makar for
Renfrewshire, Brian Whittingham, called Renfrewshire Snapshots, which recalls happier times and looks forward to better days.
The illustrations will include a rainbow which children can colour in.
The Postcards from Home campaign is being launched as part of Volunteer Week - which started yesterday and runs until Sunday - and the council will soon be asking residents to submit their ideas for the next postcard design.
Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered to help during this crisis for the important role they are playing in supporting their neighbours and people in their communities.
“It is truly inspiring to see how communities have pulled together to support and look after one another.
“Postcards from Home will see thousands of Renfrewshire residents who may be feeling isolated at the moment receive a special postcard in their support parcel, helping people like them feel more connected to their community.”
During the week, residents will also be encouraged to join in a clap for volunteers on Thursday at 8pm and share their stories of kindness and volunteering in the community on social media using the hashtag #KindnessCounts.
Daily case studies highlighting acts of kindness will be shared by the council throughout the week online and Engage Renfrewshire will be streaming videos of people thanking volunteers.
More than 60 volunteers have been working with council staff and the local authority’s partners to support people in the community through neighbourhood hubs.
The hubs are run by the council in partnership with organisations such as the Health and Social Care Partnership and Renfrewshire Leisure to provide support to residents who need extra help in coping with the pandemic.
Volunteers have been carrying out tasks such as doorstep deliveries, helping with daily errands like dog walking and becoming email pen pals to residents who may be feeling lonely.
Those looking to volunteer can sign up at volunteer.engagerenfrewshire.com
Residents who may be feeling isolated will receive a special postcard in their support parcel