The implications of coronavirus have been both drastic and unprecedented.
In my own personal experience, my university has closed until further notice, with all learning and examinations.
Moreover, in my capacity as a town councillor, all council meetings are cancelled until further notice.
This has been an undeniably difficult time for all of us – with the true extent of the implications yet to become apparent.
Whilst our experiences may differ, we are all united in our attempts to adapt to the new ‘normal’ – social distancing, home working and essential only shopping.
In my own community in Wilmslow, the sense of collective responsibility and community spirit has been heartwarming.
The offers of support and community action have been outstanding, with multiple Facebook groups and WhatsApp groups. Well done to all everyone who has facilitated these.
Wilmslow Health Centre
In line with the government initiative to streamline testing facilities, Wilmslow Health Centre has introduced a new “drive-thru” corona virus testing hub.
After to speaking the health centre, it was clear that further support was needed to support the operational performance of these essential facilities – including the enforcement of social distancing and regulation of the drive through set up.
After putting a request out for volunteers, I was overwhelmed to receive dozens of offers of support.
It is through the generosity and selflessness of these volunteers that the health centre can continue to serve our community.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank local volunteer James Bunker for supporting the organisation of this campaign.
James reached out via social media and offering his expertise of running an events management company.
James said: “We are managing the unusually busy pharmacy and helping with crowd control with the social distancing in mind.
“We are also helping manage the centre becoming a Covid-19 testing hub and making sure these cases are being isolated accordingly to reduce the spread of the virus.”
Others have volunteered to collect prescriptions and deliver essential shopping to those in isolation.
It is touching to see those who can, help those who cannot.
Love The Lane
Earlier this week Cllr Julie Dawn Potts has celebrated five years since she created the ‘Chapel Lane Love the Lane’ Facebook page to try and encourage more people to shop local and support their local shops and businesses.
She has lived around Chapel Lane for over 25 years and within the area all my life, and cares passionately about helping the local community.
She has a wonderful caring team of over 25 main volunteers who have all been allocated over 40 roads around this area to distribute our Love The Lane leaflets to over 3,500 residents’ homes.
Local councillors are still accessible
As one of your local councillors I want to reaffirm my commitment to help anyone in need.
Whilst face to face communication is no longer possible, I am still accessible via email or my council work number.
With the all fantastic technological developments at our fingertips, software such as Zoom has allowed me to enjoy ‘face to face’ calls with residents.
Though most are following the government advice, sadly there are a few who continue to act irresponsibly.
Whilst conducting essential journeys to help the vulnerable, I have seen groups of people still in public and blatantly ignoring the rules of social distancing.
In my capacity as a local representative, I have asked those who gather in public to respect the rules and wellbeing of their neighbours.
I know that it is difficult to stay at home but we all must do our bit to help flatten the curve.
I therefore urge everyone reading this to ask where your household members are and politely ask those who are ignoring the rules to obey them.
I know this a big ask but I know that together, we the people of Wilmslow will get through this together!
Online resources
If your children require some activities to do an organisation called ‘Peoples Powerhouse’ have created a fantastic online activity pack which you can complete.
This can be found via www.peoplespowerhouse.org.uk/downloads/activities.pdf
Cllr Birgitta Hoffman has also very kindly created a daily blog and it makes for a good read. This can be found via www.viewsfromwilmslow.wordpress.com
Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the residents of Wilmslow to thank all key workers who are working tirelessly to help save lives.
Stay at Home
Protect the NHS
Save Lives