‘Inspiring’ volunteers have kept community going, says bishop
WILLINGNESS TO HELP WILL BE VITAL TO REGION’S RECOVERY
THE Bishop of Newcastle has thanked “inspiring” volunteers who have kept their community safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
And, she said, community spirit will still be vital as the region attempts to recover from the crisis.
The Right Reverend Christine Hardman said the efforts of volunteers in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland “kept us going” and would be vital to the region’s recovery from Covid-19.
Since lockdown was announced in March, volunteers have delivered food and medical supplies to vulnerable people, made calls to those who are lonely or isolated, and held “morale-boosting” events and competitions.
Bishop Christine, who chairs the North of Tyne Combined Authority Inclusive Economy Board, said: “One of the most encouraging things to come out of the Covid-19 crisis has been the willingness of people to come forward and offer to help.
“Volunteers have delivered shopping and prescriptions for those unable to get out or unable to use online services; they’ve delivered activity packs for children missing out on school and to older people who are shielded; they’ve made phone calls to check on people isolating at home and they’ve worked alongside statutory services, such as the NHS to ensure people get the care and support they need.
“People have really gone the extra mile to help; it has been inspiring to see.”
A huge number of different organisations stepped up to help, and recruited new volunteers, during the pandemic.
Newcastle residents raised almost £50,000 to buy provisions for those in need while town councils and community groups in Northumberland spearheaded deliveries of home-cooked meals, prescriptions and groceries.
Among those helping out are staff and volunteers from the charity Sporting Chance, who have delivered more than 2,200 food parcels to Newcastle residents, from their base in Cowgate. NorthTyneside charity
VODA recruited
250 “Good Neighbour” volunteers to help with those self-isolating.
Bishop Christine said the work done to build bonds between the public, private and voluntary sectors would allow for a greater understanding of the issues and challenges facing people in the North of Tyne, and help the board in its economic recovery work, which will include supporting people looking for jobs in future. She said: “Volunteers are playing a crucial role alongside health and care services providing care and helping communities to cope with the challenges that coronavirus has thrown at them.
“Over the coming months and years they will continue to make an enormous contribution, beyond the initial impact of this virus, for the many causes, charities and community organisations that make a difference to people’s lives every day.”
North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll added: “It is our friends and families who support us through life.
“This crisis has shown that we’ve extended that caring instinct to people we don’t know, but who need our help. Everyone who has volunteered is an inspiration.
“Rebuilding from this crisis is a monumental task. Our inclusive economy board is focusing good work. We’ve all been clapping for key workers.
“Too often they’re undervalued and under paid. Our Good Work Pledge is there to make sure people are properly valued for the work they do.
“We have to end stressful, insecure employment practices and inwork poverty.”