COVID-19 COMMuNITY RESPONSE GROuP

COVID-19 COMMUNITY

RESPONSE GROUP

Sally and How Life Changed.

Sally – Resident

How did you first hear of Keynsham Community Response Group and the volunteers? Well, first I got a letter through the door and was given the name and number of a volunteer. She came to visit and said she’d be happy to shop and do some other things and I thought thank God for that because I couldn’t see how I was going to get out and do things. We’d been told on the news that we couldn’t go out.

Did she manage to sort things out for you?

Well yes she did. She sorted out some shopping, a prescription and this and that and then I had to phone the advice line. I’d phone on a Monday morning and speak to Dave who would get my prescriptions and shopping on a Wednesday. I was very glad really.

How are you doing now?

Not too bad. It can still be a bit quiet you know. I’m still not happy about this Covid thing and being out. They bring me extra food which is nice too although I am beginning to do a bit of shopping at Iceland. I would like to thank them all for what they’ve done yes. They’ve been wonderful.

Colin and How Life Changed.

Colin McSherry - Volunteer

How did you first get involved? I heard from Clarice at St Dunstan’s and she mentioned a group. Kelly put notes through the door and I’d been meaning to get involved and I got Kelly, Rich and Marie together firstly. We formed our little group and then joined the bigger KCRG group through Dave and then Clare contacted me. I then became lead of our turquoise area group.

What sort of activites have you been involved in?

Contacting the vulnerable in our area. We started out phoning people every week and have been arranging shopping and prescriptions. My role was ‘workforce management’ for the shopping. I make sure we’ve got a team together. I do the accounting for the shopping and I do deliveries. Our team is so committed that even though they are going back to work full time, they are as committed to helping as ever.

What do you see as the future of the group now? I think there is still the opportunity to look after people in difficult circumstances and are on their own. People still need support. We have cleaned fridges and homes for people who have been in hospital. These people are slipping through the social care gaps. We’ve called the ambulance for a vulnerable individual even this week. We need to try to identify more people in these circumstances. We need to try extra hard to find these people. We’re still coming across people that don’t go out at all. People were so grateful that they’ve tried to give us money which we never accept of course.

I had 15 stunning volunteers in my group at the height of this and I’ve still got 10 that I can call upon at any time and I’ve got a fantastic team. I’m so grateful for their commitment. Team Torquoise Unicorn, you’re amazing! Should any of these things ring true for you, do please ring the advice line on 07534 071466 we are still here to help.

BORED? LONELY? GO ONLINE FOR TIMEOUT YOUTH SERVICE

hroughout the COVID-19 outbreak, TimeOut (Keynsham’s Youth Service) has been T operating online, enabling young people to communicate with youth workers throughout the pandemic.

Young people have been attending throughout, joining games sessions and “talk to a youth worker” chat sessions. These sessions have provided young people with an opportunity to still meet with friends and have fun as well as seek one-to-one support from our team of youth workers on issues they face.

Our online sessions will continue to run at present as it is not possible to host our normal youth club sessions safely in TimeOut on Bath Hill. Below, are a list of sessions online;

Tuesday 6.30pm – 8pm

Zoom Chat and Chill session: Join us online every Tuesday for a chat session where you can speak to youth workers and talk with friends. Each week we talk about different topics and check in with young people’s wellbeing. Thursday 6.30pm – 8pm

Zoom Quiz night: The weekly Thursday night quiz covers a range of topics from food to Disney, geography to pop music. We have questions for everyone and at the end of each session discuss topics for the next quiz with young people.

Monday to Friday, Messenger Chat 1pm – 1.30pm

We continue to host a daily one-to-one chat for young people who may not have returned to education or employment. Youth workers are online between 1pm and 1.30pm for private messages for any young person who wants to chat, needs support, or wants help with CVs.

If you are a young person and you would like to join our sessions, please follow our Facebook page, and message Kelly to join our Zoom chat group for the details. We will send you an electronic membership form to be completed by a parent or guardian if you are under 18.

www.facebook.com/Timeoutktc - Main Timeout page www.facebook.com/kelly.tc.568 - message Kelly, the youth worker

KEYNSHAM COMMUNITY FRIDGE

eynsham Community Fridge reopened at a limited capacity on 5th October. A K Community Fridge is a way of making surplus food, which is perfectly good to eat, available to anyone who wants it. The food is donated from local retailers and suppliers and placed in a location that is accessible to the general public.

There are now over 100 Community Fridges operating throughout the country as a way of reducing food waste that is a net contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Keynsham Community Fridge had to close down during the Covid lockdown but there have been strenuous efforts to re-open it operating in a way that is safe and secure for everyone involved. The fridge is now working in partnership with new community groups and additional volunteers, and free food will be available under a supervised arrangement in cooperation with Temple Street Canteen from Monday to Saturday. Changes are expected as the fridge seeks to respond to ever-changing trading guidelines. Check out Keynsham Community Fridge Facebook page to see what food is available each day.

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Carers’ Centre

We’re still here to support unpaid carers in BaNES If you’re looking after someone else during this crisis we’re here to support you. Get in touch for: • Trusted information and advice • Help planning for emergencies • Employment and grant support 0800 0388 885 Monday–Friday, 8.15am–3pm support@banescarerscentre.org.uk