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Coronavirus: share your community response with #DoOneThingNL

Council News
11:00, Thursday, 2nd April 2020

Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said:

“The last couple of weeks have presented all of us in North Lincolnshire with challenges we have never had to face before. In response to Covid-19 the focus across the board has been on keeping ourselves, our families and our communities safe, well and connected.

“While that challenge at first appeared huge, and while we are by no means out to the other side, on reflection we knew it would be the strength of our communities which would see us through. The response has been overwhelming. From Scunthorpe to Brigg, Barton, the Isle of Axholme and everywhere in between people, families and the communities have stood up.

“Thousands of good deeds are being done every day – people are making small acts of kindness such as picking up prescriptions, collecting fresh produce or sometimes just chatting on the phone. These things, just one thing in many cases, make the world of difference to the many people who need a helping hand at this difficult time.

“The immediate response has demonstrated a whole host of examples across North Lincolnshire – volunteers and community groups, local businesses, post offices and religious groups have contributed enormously to the groundswell of community spirit and neighbourliness.

“I wanted to say thank you to the people and communities across North Lincolnshire for their response.

“We must remember however that we are just more than a week into this and there is still a long way to go. People need to continue to pick up the phone, to drop off the prescriptions and collect the pints of milk. We want people to share what they are doing, with us and the Scunthorpe Telegraph, by taking photographs and sharing them using #DoOneThingNL.”

Pete Thorpe, director, North Lincolnshire Council, said:

“North Lincolnshire Council launched its dedicated Covid-19 contact centre over a week ago and nearly 1,000 people have been in touch so far.

“Thankfully, we are finding that most people have support from their family, friends or community to sustain themselves throughout their isolation. Typically, people are needing help for collecting food and medicines. Also, this is a worrying time for people and a regular, friendly phone call can make all the difference. We’d encourage everyone who can provide a listening ear to do so.

“The residents that the council wants to hear from are those that are genuinely vulnerable and do not have someone in their family or community to call on for help. We are encouraging these residents to contact us through the council website, but recognise that for some people a phone call is preferable. Residents can visit the coronavirus information, advice and guidance page at the council website or call 01724 297000 and select option 0 for Covid-19 related support.

“For vulnerable people without support, the council will assist them to get it, including connecting them to the many fantastic volunteers and community groups that are active in North Lincolnshire. The council has had an amazing response to the request for volunteers for which we are hugely grateful.  You can still register to be a North Lincolnshire volunteer through the council portal.”