Caring for all of Longlevens

Local resident Becky Booth set up a network of volunteers before the lockdown to help people across Longlevens. Here she describes what she did.

"I asked for help to set up a directory of volunteers on the Longlevens Noticeboard Facebook group and hundreds signed up.

"Together with the local GP surgery, PCSOs, councillors, community leaders and primary school head teacher we forged a plan.

"We would use our network to support the entire community, we would deliver packs to children, food to families, medication to the vulnerable and provide a listening ear to the isolated.

"Longlevens football club served as a collection point for the thousands of contact cards which were generously printed for free by local resident Lee Panchbhaya's company, PR Geeks.

"The lockdown was implemented just days later but thankfully we were ready.

"Our network has delivered dozens of free food parcels, over 100 school packs and made several hundred food and medication deliveries.

"Rainbows appeared in windows and fun games were chalked on pavements to entertain children on their daily walks.

"Family walks and cycling became the norm.

"There was also a big turnout for the weekly Clap for Carers, which showed how much love and kindness there is locally.

"I have been asked what is next for our community? Where do we go from here? My answer is the community will do what it
chooses to do.

"Each member of this community is responsible for its future. We each can choose to engage in a local group, to volunteer, to check in on a neighbour or
simply say good morning to those we pass.

"The help you need can quite often be found at the end of the street."