Bridging Covid gap for the vulnerable
MEMBERS of a community centre have told of the work carried out to help tackle social isolation - particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.
Staff and volunteers at the Bridgend Centre, on Palmerston Street, Bollington, have been keeping in touch with vulnerable residents.
Over the course of the pandemic they have produced the Bridging Social Isolation newsletter and emailed it to 500 people per week as well, as hand delivering it to another 100.
It provides updates on local news and advice, including the best nearby picnic spots and although restrictions have been eased, it still goes out every fortnight.
With measures more relaxed the shop is now open and serving teas and coffees on an outside veranda. The regular Wednesday Walk now takes place without the need to book.
Additional indoor activities will be made available at the centre from September. Important fundraising initiatives can now also take place again; the Bridgend Centre’s sponsored superherothemed hill race raised more than £3,000.
Macclesfield MP David Rutley, who is a patron of the centre, went to see its work for himself.
After the visit he said: “The team at the Bridgend Centre do invaluable work in the community.
“The newsletter is just one example of how they have worked hard to support local residents in and around Bollington over the pandemic.
“I am very proud of all that this active local charity is doing to help so many isolated and vulnerable people in our community.”