VIEW MAGAZINE: Covid-19 pandemic - We salute our brave workers and the amazing volunteers

VIEW

An independent social affairs magazine

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Issue 56, 2020

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COVID-19 PANDEMIC We salute our brave workers and the amazing volunteers

Nurse Louise Swann, left, who has been working in a GP’s surgery during the lockdown in Northern Ireland, and volunteer Edel Gribbin who has been making face masks for hospital staff

INSIDE:The stories of people who have rallied to help their fellow citizens during a global outbreak that has changed how we all live

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We salute the heroes of the pandemic his special issue of VIEW is the story of those who have rallied to help their fellow citizens during a global outbreak that has changed how we all live.

In years to come, what will history record about the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020? We will, of course, remember those who have died and suffered during the first wave, now hopefully drawing to a close.

And we all hope that any second wave which may come will be met with increased knowledge, awareness, and preparedness.

There is no doubt that our first duty will be to never forget all those who died during the pandemic. And also those whose businesses are struggling, and the people who have lost their jobs.

Also all of the vulnerable, who have been forced to cocoon in order to shield themselves from infection.

But history must also record the courage, the inspiration, and the resolve of so many who fought coronavirus: key workers in the NHS, the police, mail delivery staff, council workers, the fire service, social workers and those in

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Proud: VIEWdigital deputy editor Kathryn Johnston charities and social enterprises. Not forgetting all those who volunteered, who made masks, raised money for PPE, delivered essential prescriptions to people in their homes, and those who worked with the hungry and the homeless.

And nowhere more so than here in Northern Ireland.

This special issue of VIEW, is guest edited by Paul McCusker, Deputy Lord

Mayor of Belfast and co-founder of St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, who pays tribute to all those who rose to the challenge to fight against the pandemic.

Paul writes: “I have personally experienced a community spirit and togetherness that we in north Belfast can be very proud of.”

And the people of north Belfast are not alone. From Sean Smyth in west Belfast, to Geoff Aiken of north Antrim, from Edel Gribbin in Tyrone, to Maryam Youseff – the mother of nine children who are still living in Somalia – who now provides housing support with Homeplus NI, a charity which helps homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers.

Maya Angelou, the civil rights activist and writer, who died in 2014, once said: “I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.”

Those we write about in this issue of VIEW, like so many others right across these islands and throughout the world, are heroes of the pandemic. We salute them all. And we will remember them.

Go to our website WWW.VIEWDIGITAL.ORG to read more stories and how to sign up to receive regular issues of VIEW magazine

Become a VIEWdigital champion Contact Una Murphy at unamurphy@viewdigital.org if you enjoy our work and want to know more about becoming a VIEWdigital champion

Contact VIEW editor Brian Pelan at brianpelan@viewdigital.org Contact VIEW deputy editor Kathryn Johnston at kathrynjohnston@viewdigital.org Contact VIEW publisher Una Murphy at unamurphy@viewdigital.org Contact VIEW journalist Megan McDermott at meganmcdermott@viewdigital.org Contact VIEW journalist Joseph Pelan at josephpelan@viewdigital.org Making a complaint to VIEWdigital – www.viewdigital.org/2018/08/08/making-a-complaint-to-viewdigital/

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Editorial

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VIEW, an independent social affairs magazine

By guest editor Paul McCusker, Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, SDLP councillor, community activist and co-founder of St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen s the weeks and days roll into one, we sit, stare, and imagine what could be done in the sun.

For many, recent times have been a case of Déjà vu, Groundhog Day, Every Day Is Like Sunday, or simply, “I’m bored”.

For others who have worked on our frontline, it has been everything but repetitive or boring and it is to these wonderful people I want to pay tribute as I contemplate the content of this tribute to the heroes.

It is at times like this that we need to appreciate the selfless contribution of the many unsung heroes who live among us and carry out essential tasks without looking for praise or favour. In my capacity as guest editor, I feel it is important to take a few paragraphs to mention some names and give thanks. We are extremely fortunate that so many are caring for the good of us all.

As you are all aware, there are too many to name, but let us all take time to think of and pay tribute to the brave people working in the health and care sector, post office, supermarkets, waste disposal, and emergency services (particularly the paramedics). I would like to make a personal tribute to the many unsung heroes working in the community, caring for elderly or vulnerable people, be they relatives, friends or neighbours. The sacrifices so many of these people have made could be under-appreciated and I can’t begin to imagine a world devoid of their hard work, bravery, and care. I am sure we are all aware that things would have been much more harrowing without their contribution.

I have personally experienced a community spirit and togetherness that we in north Belfast can be very proud of. It has been my pleasure to assist in St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, who help deliver essential items, assist in securing accommodation and support for many of our most vulnerable people.

Belfast has been the only city in Ireland or the UK to have ensured all our homeless have been given somewhere to

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I have personally experienced a community spirit and togetherness that we in north Belfast can be very proud of

rest safely and securely. I would personally like to acknowledge the success of this multi-agency approach involving: St Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, NIHE, Extern, and the Welcome Organisation working together to show how the community has effectively minimised the risk of Covid-19 to those who are homeless.

The food crisis many of us have experienced during this time has also highlighted the marvellous work of our NB Advice Partnership foodbank and their 50 plus volunteers. Thanks also to Holy Cross Boys Primary School who opened their doors to enable social distancing among workers, while they organise the countless food parcels and deliver vital goods to the most in need throughout north Belfast, the

Shankill, and the greater Belfast area.

Referrals for food support have come from a multitude of providers, including advice staff, community and voluntary groups, BHSCT, Family Support, Sure Start, and schools. It is important also to remember the staff and volunteers from Ardoyne Association. This group has worked five days every week to go shopping, collect and deliver prescriptions, and provide a friendly face to those who may otherwise feel isolated and lonely.

It is also necessary to mention the support provided by PIPS who have continued their vital work and have begun a new initiative, ‘The Befriending Service’, which sets out to “offer emotional support and a listening ear to those who feel isolated or are not coping well with the lockdown.”

Considering all of the above and the work so many do to ensure we are safe and secure, it is important that we recognise the importance of our community in terms of the care they provide and the tireless work of so many to help us all get through this frightening time. We should feel immensely proud that we are all part of this wonderfullyspirited and caring community of people and services.

The most difficult thing for me is witnessing the impact on children and families who are unable to visit their loved ones and those who were elderly at home and in nursing homes but are unaware of why they can’t get visitors. The lack of social contact with family and friends, including support services, has meant lots of people have been finding it hard to cope.

And finally, as we binge on Ricky Gervais in After Life, The Tiger King or Yasmeen’s plight in Coronation Street, I hope you all appreciate the importance of our continued diligence and let’s see this thing out of our lives by listening to the advice to social distance, kicking complacency into touch and supporting those who deserve our thanks and support, not only in the local community but throughout our wonderful city.

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Edel – the woman behind the masks

By Megan McDermott t the start of March, Edel Gribbin set herself the personal challenge of making 500 protective masks for neighbours, a local food bank and a hospital. “My main focus was the renal ward in Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry where my dad used to go for treatment,” she said. “It’s horrible anyway being on dialysis but to pile coronavirus on top of that – my heart was sinking thinking of every single patient.”

From her home in rural Tyrone, she made personal masks for the staff there to wear, coming to and from the hospital.

Then she started helping NI Scrubs make ‘communicator masks’ with a PVC window making it easier to decipher what the wearer is saying.

“It’s not just for the deaf and the hearing impaired,” she said. “Teachers don’t want to wear masks because they feel like they’re hiding themselves away from pupils and they can’t really interact. When they get a mask like this they’ll be more comfortable with the children.”

Before long Edel’s sister who lives in Norway decided to join in and send masks back to Tyrone.

“We were having arts FaceTime where we’d do something creative. And then I started to make the masks and she was getting fed up watching me so she joined in too. We were sitting on Facetime making masks together. So far away but yet working on the same thing together.”

Edel found that being creative and helping others has boosted her own mental health.

“I’ve made more friends in the last couple of months than I have in the last couple of years, from all corners of the island. And we’re all being creative. It’s been a pleasure to meet so many people even though its been virtual. We’ll sit and have our cup of coffee together over FaceTime.

That’s just the new normal now.”

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• NI Scrubs can be found on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/group s/511353049531152/

Creative: Edel Gribbin has been making masks for neighbours, a food bank and a hospital

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Clockwise from above: Nurses give the thumbs up to treats for the hospital tuck shop; Eimear Gooderham, who died last year, and Sean Smyth

Remembering Eimear as her dad helps stock up hospital tuck shops

By Joseph Pelan west Belfast man whose daughter died from blood cancer is keeping hospital tuck shops stocked for patients and healthcare staff during the coronavirus crisis.

One of the facilities is located at the haematology ward at Belfast City Hospital where Sean Smyth's daughter Eimear passed away last year.

Although “broken-hearted”, Sean said he wanted to give “a little kindness back” to help others at this time.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak began, the fund set up in memory of Eimear has been helping to supply stock to ward 10 North and the Beechcroft Inpatient Unit for children and adolescents suffering mental health issues.

Sean said he was delighted to be able to make “such a difference” to many patients left isolated and who, due to illness, are unable to leave the wards or receive any visitors.

His daughter Eimear Gooderham died last June, just a week after marrying her

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fiancé Philip in hospital.

The make-up artist, from west Belfast, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in September 2016 shortly after she had graduated.

After a lengthy search for a suitable stem cell donor, she received a transplant in November 2018 but sadly died in June following complications. The ‘Eimear’s Wish’ campaign was established in 2019 following her death.

Sean said he has continued to try to help the patients and staff of the ward where his daughter was cared for.

“The nurses told us after the lockdown that visitors weren’t allowed and the hospital shop was closed,” he said.

“I said to them, ‘what can we do?’ One of them said the patients missed having wee treats. So that’s where the idea of the tuck shop came from.

“We had £1,000 in reserve in the fund and we used £500 towards sanitiser for the hospital and £200 to get the tuck shop up and running.

“Something that puts a smile on their

face, whether it’s crisps, chocolate, or a biscuit with their cup of tea.

“The nurse said when the patients heard about the tuck shop, they were all lined up with money in their hands, but we are doing it for free.”

After the facility was launched at the haematology ward, Sean was contacted about opening a similar shop in a unit for young people with mental health issues (CAMHS) in south Belfast.

“These are young people in need. We were delighted to be able to help them too,” he said.

“Musgrave Cash & Carry let me fill up a trolley full of stock, of which we are so appreciative. We’ve had generous donations that have allowed us to stock the shops.

“We also got Easter eggs for the patients. It has made such a difference,” added Sean.

“We are broken-hearted over Eimear’s death, but it’s good to give a little kindness back to others at this time. It is unbelievable what a difference a little treat such as this can make to people.”

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Wall tribute ...

Support: Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a new wave of artwork has emerged in Northern Ireland and it is one that appears to have universal appreciation. Street artists have turned their skills to paying homage to the frontline workers battling against coronavirus

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Tribute: Belfast City Hall was lit up in blue to mark International Nurses’ Day

A blue salute to nursing heroes ormer Belfast Lord Mayor Daniel Baker paid a special tribute to nurses on International Nurses’ Day. His remarks came as City Hall was lit up in NHS blue to mark the day on Tuesday, May 12.

Councillor Baker said: “It has never been more important to show our appreciation for our nurses, and indeed all our healthcare workers, who are providing the highest standards of care for the people who need it most during these extremely challenging times.

“I’m delighted that we lit up City Hall to mark

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International Nurses’ Day as a tribute to all those men and women, and thank them for their commitment and dedication as they help in the battle against Covid-19.”

He added: “Our nurses are doing an incredible job in the most difficult and challenging of circumstances. They too have families and loved ones, and every day they are putting their health at risk to help others. Their contribution cannot be underestimated and I would like to say thank you on behalf of the city, and I hope this small gesture goes some way to let nurses know how much they are appreciated.”

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A snapshot in time of life in a hospital during the pandemic

Tuck Goh speaks to VIEWdigital journalist Joseph Pelan about merging his love for photography with his work as a doctor doctor with a passion for photography has captured moments at his hospital in Belfast during the Covid-19 pandemic for future generations.

Fifty-nine-year-old Dr Tuck Goh, from Malaysia, has been working in Ulster Hospital’s Emergency Department for 23 years.

“Even from a young age I wanted to be a professional photographer. I did leave medicine for around five years and pursued a job in commercial photography. I eventually came back to medicine.

“Over the last six or seven years I’ve had a real passion for street and travel photography and that’s what I’ve been doing in combination with my full-time job as a doctor in the emergency department.”

Dr Goh has exhibited his previous work through the Arts centre at the Ulster Hospital but it wasn’t until the beginning of

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On the frontline: Dr Tuck Goh the pandemic that Dr Goh began taking photographs at work.

Using a small pocket-sized Fuji camera, his photography captures intimate moments within a sterile environment. And by documenting the scenes unfolding in

real-time in the emergency department, Dr Goh’s photographs allow us an insight into the daily life of frontline workers battling the pandemic.

“What really impacts upon me is the sheer extraordinary time we are going through and you feel the sense that you have to capture the moment.

“In terms of the pandemic, this is a decisive moment in the time of the hospital and the time that we live in.

“I felt the need to capture this on film and to document it. I hope the photographs go a long way to preserving this unusual time and leave behind some evidence of what has happened for a generation to come.”

• To see more of Dr Goh’s photography please visit www.tuckgoh.com

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A selection of images by Dr Tuck Goh which document life at the Ulster Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic

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The new reality: Louise Swann in her face protective gear as she prepares to deal with patients. Below, mum Ann Allan, left, having a FaceTime chat with daughter Louise

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A day in the life of a practice nurse during the pandemic Web chat: Writer Ann Allan captures a moment in time as she asked her daughter Louise about how she is coping in a GP’s surgery during the coronavirus outbreak s we clap every Thursday evening, joining our neighbours to honour the NHS workers on the frontline, let us not forget those who have staffed our health centres during this pandemic.

These are the centres where we are used to dropping in for all the normal dayto-day ills.

A place where we feel relaxed, and are on first-name terms with many of the staff.

How are they coping or have they coped as the epidemic took hold?

Everyday life goes on as much as is possible in health centres all over Northern Ireland. My daughter is one of those nurses whose day-to-day job is treating patients, taking bloods, and running asthma, diabetic, and other clinics.

When I FaceTime her at the end of a day, her face is sore from wearing a mask, and she is exhausted from wearing PPE in the heat.

So forgive me if I’m a little biased when I single out the staff of these health centres as heroes also.

I spoke to her about it over FaceTime and these are her thoughts about her situation.

and must be protected and treated while at the same time protecting ourselves and them from the virus. Rooms are cleaned down with strong disinfectant between patients. PPE is changed regularly. It’s quite tiring. I try to regularly phone my more vulnerable patients to make sure they are OK and to have a chat. Sometimes their weekly visit to me is their only contact with normal life. They talk about how scary the world has got and I try to reassure them they are doing all they can by staying in to keep safe.

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Ann: How have things changed for you as a practice nurse since the outbreak of Covid-19?

Louise: I have been a nurse now since 1996. I have worked through some difficult periods but I have never been challenged like this. I am a practice nurse in a GP’s surgery in east Antrim. Up until recently, I would put on my black trousers, nice blouse and jewellery and went to work. There I would put in a busy day seeing asthmatic, COPD, and diabetic patients. I did cervical smears and many other things that kept me very busy. Then coronavirus started to take hold.

Everything changed. I wear scrubs and trainers to work now, no jewellery, and my hair is scraped into a tight bun. I no longer see my chronic patients. My colleagues, including the other practice nurse, have taken

Happier times: Louise and Ann before the lockdown started on a very different role.

Ann: In what way are you protected from the risk from patients who may present with Covid-19?

Louise: The doors are locked. Patients must phone and be triaged before they can be seen. If they need to be seen they will be checked by me at the door for any signs of Covid-19. I will be wearing a mask, protective glasses, and an apron.

Ann: How do you feel with wearing all that PPE? Louise: It is very warm and when taking bloods – the glasses steam up and it can be very challenging. Before being allowed in I take the patient’s temperatures and ask questions about their symptoms. Only four patients at a time are allowed into the waiting room to ensure social distancing rules. Relatives accompanying their loved ones are asked to wait outside.

Ann: What does your average day now look like?

Louise: We help out with the urgent things.

People still need bloods taken. We give lifesaving injections, take ECGs, and check warfarin levels. Sick people are still sick

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Ann: What is the atmosphere like at work since Covid-19?

Louise : We have a great team and brilliant management. We have plenty of PPE and we are all working together to try and get through this strange time.

Ann: Do you worry about exposure to the virus?

Louise: I do worry about the exposure. I have to see people who may be asymptomatic and who may spread the virus. I feel though I have a duty of care to my patients and to my NHS colleagues to show up and do my best. I change out of my scrubs and shoes before returning home to my family. I worry that I could expose them too.

Ann: How has family life changed for you?

Louise: My weekly visit to see you and dad is no longer the same. Regular visits have ceased and social distancing means no hugs. The good weather has been a bonus.

We can chat at a distance, more than some can do so we are grateful for that. My children miss their grandparents, their aunts and uncles and cousins. We won’t take those hugs and kisses for granted ever again. However, it is a small price to pay to keep people safe. I admire all my colleagues in the NHS and in other walks of life who have put their lives in danger to save lives while this epidemic lasts.

I admire all my colleagues in the NHS and in other walks of life who have put their lives in danger to save lives while this epidemic lasts

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A moment in history: Three of the many images which were submitted to Historic England

Capturing lockdown e’re facing one of the most extraordinary moments in living memory. We are all living through history during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Historic England asked the public to send in images as a record of our collective experience in these extraordinary times. Artists and members of the public submitted hundreds of photos which expressed their feelings during the lockdown.

The images shown here are from the week – April 29 to May 5.

Historic England are planning to take the 50 most evocative, informative and inspiring of submissions and pair them with 50 professional offerings to collect 100 images to be catalogued by the Historic England Archive. They will be made freely accessible online at www.historicengland.org.uk/

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Charity boost: Volunteers delivered food and tablets throughout Northern Ireland

Kathleen Graham Trust makes a big difference by helping vulnerable people during the pandemic

By Una Murphy he Kathleen Graham Trust is a new Northern Ireland charity which has been working to support frontline key workers and people in need during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The charitable trust was established by the Graham family in memory of their mother Kathleen, using her legacy and funds from a lottery win.

Family friend and schoolteacher Anne O’Neill, who is the chair of the Kathleen Graham Trust, told VIEW that the charity was named after a County Tyrone woman who was “a motherly, generous, and giving woman, who had a great heart and was full of life and joy”.

Over the past few months, more than 200 volunteers backed by the charity helped people all over Northern Ireland.

Electronic tablets and computers were supplied to hospital workers and patients, young people struggling to access their school work, women’s groups as well as older people in nursing homes. Dinners were delivered to vulnerable people and scrubs were made for carers.

Anne, a senior teacher at Thornhill College in Derry, said the trust had

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contacted Derry City and Strabane District Council who in turn set up meetings with community groups. She said the Kathleen Graham Trust had made connections with grassroots volunteers to find out how the charity could support community efforts during the public health crisis.

“People have been absolutely amazing from the mayor and council down to volunteers willing to help. Groups were brought together who before this would have operated independently,” Anne said.

“We bought sewing machines and two fabric cutters for a voluntary operation in the Fountain Street Community Centre in Strabane, that has been in existence since start of Covid-19.

“They have been making hospital scrubs to service all sectors of the local and rural community as well as masks and toys for children of key workers. A large number of volunteers are also sewing in their own homes.

“In the Portrush area, one local charity, Reach Portrush, received funding for the provision of food parcels.

“More than 10 volunteers have been preparing and delivering around 80 parcels weekly. This group also received four

electronic tablets. They have been particularly busy supporting people throughout the Covid-19 crisis and are supporting those people who are isolated.”

Feedback from nursing and care homes, who received electronic tablets to help residents stay in touch with their families during the lockdown, had been “really positive”. “ “It kept them connected during the pandemic and was something tangible and long-term which will continue to help residents,” Anne said.

“Tablets and computers were also distributed to a women’s project in the Shankill area of Belfast so they could carry on their work during and after the lockdown,” she added.

“Frontline hospital workers at Altnagelvin in Derry as well as the Mater in Belfast were among those who received support from the Kathleen Graham Trust,” Anne said.

The charity named after Kathleen Graham, who Anne also remembers as someone who “made you feel at home”, has made a big difference to the lives of the people throughout Northern Ireland during the pandemic.

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Gesture: Roisin Pelan with the ‘Worker’ badge she made as a way of paying a salute to all the key workers

Thank you to all the key workers from the bottom of our hearts

By Roisin Pelan n a time of uncertainty unlike anything we’ve ever lived through, the heroes who are saving lives by risking their own are the people we could never live without. They are the key workers.

Without our NHS staff, bin men and women, our teachers, our delivery drivers, our selfless volunteers (more than 750,000 answered a call for help in March 2020), and our all important cleaners, I dread to think where we would be.

As a small business owner, living in Preston, Lancashire, I decided to make something to celebrate them, something that they can wear and be recognised for the good they’re doing. These pin badges

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have been so incredibly popular and it warms my heart when people get in touch to tell me their stories of pride. Frontline staff have contacted me to say they volunteer in hospitals as ‘meet and greet’ staff or helping with food parcel deliveries and they were delighted to have been thought of and valued.

Rightly so, there is incredible support for our NHS and I wish that this level of support could be a permanent thing. But it’s easy to forget about all our other incredible workers who are keeping things ticking over as well. I, for one, will never take delivery drivers for granted again. I’m practically on first-name terms with the drivers from DPD, Hermes, UPS, Prime, and the Royal Mail.

I’m on lifelong chemotherapy and although my treatment was stopped for six weeks due to Covid-19, thankfully it was started back up again and I now have the district nurses coming out to give me my treatment. Always happy, thorough and respectful, they are amazing.

My sister Lindsey in Australia, who is also coming through breast cancer, has also had some incredible care, and it’s something none of us should ever take for granted.

To all the key workers that were not so long ago deemed ‘unskilled’, and all those who helped vulnerable people, you are the absolute backbone of humanity, you are without a doubt invaluable, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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Helping the homeless: Somalian woman Maryam Youseff

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Image: Liz Cullinane

We salute a community hero

By Una Murphy aryam Youseff from Somalia is a community hero to her friends and colleagues in Belfast. She has experienced traumatic times in deportation centres in Britain and Northern Ireland after facing deportation from the Republic of Ireland, where she lived in direct provision centres.

The mother of nine children, who are still living in Somalia, now works as a housing support worker with Homeplus NI, a charity which helps homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Maryam, a past chair of the Somali Community, has been helping the charity to pack food parcels for those who are in need.

I asked Maryam if she felt like

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a ‘community hero’?

“You get help from others and you need to help them,” Maryam replied.

“Thank you is not really enough to thank those who campaigned to keep me here.

Working with them is good but not enough. I need to do more.”

Maryam’s story was recounted in Kaboosh Theatre production ‘Lives in Translation’ which told the story of struggle “for a life free from constant fear and a place to make home”.

Maryam’s friend Liz Cullinane, artist and writer, designed the production and she nominated Maryam to be featured in this edition of VIEW magazine.

She said: “Maryam is a community hero because despite her incredibly arduous 14-year journey as an asylum seeker in both jurisdictions, north and south of the border, she has

maintained her humanity.

“Maryam’s kindness as a person and her dignity is demonstrated by her choice to see the goodness in others while recognising the limits in the systems she has encountered.

“Despite being separated from her nine children for so long, she enables others to work, helping out with their childcare, supporting women during time spent in hospital during childbirth and illness.

“She has taken every opportunity to engage in learning and community activism so that she is now employed as a member of the Homeplus team benefitting others who are experiencing homelessness.

“She is my good friend and total hero, I learn from her every time we share a coffee or have a meal together.”

Maryam, we salute you.

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Images: Caroline Smyth – www.carolinesmythphotography.co.uk

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A family affair Joseph Pelan reports on a photography project which has helped to raise funds for Women’s Aid photographer has helped to raise more than £5,000 by capturing portraits of families outside their homes to help raise awareness of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland.

The nationwide lockdown on March 23 this year meant Larne-based wedding and portrait photographer, Caroline Smyth, like many other freelancers, found her work schedule was empty overnight.

Yet another more malevolent implication of lockdown was that vulnerable women and their families would not be safe at home but instead left in a volatile situation, locked up with their potential abusers.

Caroline’s mother volunteered with Women’s Aid in the 1980s and it was this that inspired her to take photographs of families outside their homes to raise awareness and funds for Women’s Aid, who, along with other charities, have had their ability to fundraise severely restricted due to the lockdown.

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“I remember our home being a safe haven for women. They would come in with black eyes and makeup, and as a child I always remembered that,” said Caroline, about the inspiration behind the Front Door Project.

Initially beginning the project on her own, Caroline was soon joined by other photographers who wanted to offer their skills to help the project, including her own daughter Becca McIlroy.

“When my mum announced the free family sessions to raise money for charity, I was really excited. I’ve worked alongside my mum since my early teenage years and now that I have my own photography business I wanted to join in,” said Becca.

“Unfortunately we are not isolating in the same household but this meant we were able to cover different areas of the town, mine being more rural.

“It’s an excellent way to lift the community spirit and meet some

neighbours along the way. I’m lucky in that I’m isolating in a household where I feel completely safe but others are not just as lucky.”

Caroline believes the project is not only raising awareness but is also documenting social history reminiscent of the black and white wartime photography of her own grandparents, and that it will have a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Photographers taking part in the Front Door Project include Tracey Steele Photography; Argyll Images; Warren Blair Photography; Loreen Katherine Photography; Becca McIlroy Photography; Jennifer Nicole Photography; and Lisa Larkham Photography.

• To find information about your local Women’s Aid group follow the link: https://www.womensaidni.org/ge t-help/local-groups/

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Four key workers in Scotland with their free bicycles

How free bikes are transforming the lives of Scotland’s key workers ... bicycle recycling charity in Scotland has won widespread praise for its scheme to provide key workers with a free bike.

The Bike Station launched the scheme to help frontline workers in Perth and Edinburgh to get around safely.

Anyone who is a key worker (as defined by the UK government) can now apply for a free recycled bike to help them travel safely, avoid public transport and decompress at the end of each shift.

Erin Tindal, a care home worker in

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Perth, received the first Hero Bike.

Erin said: “It was mostly out of necessity really that I wanted to cycle. I didn’t think I’d love it as much as I did. It’s amazing. I’ve been cycling in all weathers as well which has been fabulous.”

Sasha Taylor, Chief Executive of The Bike Station, said: “Now more than ever our key workers need our support.

We know bikes can help, by providing access to safe and affordable independent transport, and just as importantly, a means to look after their own health

and well-being. We’ve launched Hero Bikes to support our key workers who are giving their all to protect our communities.”

The Bike Station, supported by Transport Scotland, Cycling Scotland, Paths for All, City of Edinburgh Council, Spokes, Discovery Bike Tours, and Madison, will provide a fully refurbished second-hand bike to any key worker.

• The Bike Station – www.thebikestation.org.uk

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Royal Mail staff deliver joy to help raise funds for foodbank

Above: Geoff Aiken and colleagues dressed up in a range of fancy dress costumes and below, Geoff hands over a cheque for £3,175 to the foodbank in Ballymena

By Kathryn Johnston hen Geoff Aiken heard that requests for help from his local Trussell Trust Foodbank in Ballee, Ballymena, were soaring at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown, while at the same time donations were plummeting, he decided to help by putting his best foot forward.

Geoff, a postman in Ballymena, had heard from his nephew that Royal Mail postal staff in England were using their daily delivery rounds as an opportunity to collect donations for local foodbanks.

Some of them were even wearing fancy dress costumes.

Within days he had approached his Royal Mail employers for permission to

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start up a local Ballymena network. He was joined by three colleagues, Chris Reid, James Doherty and Adam Nelson.

Once word got out, the four posties, who also got the support of their union, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) – as well as a cheque for the foodbank – were soon busy collecting donations of food.

Residents became accustomed to seeing ‘Scooby Doo’, ‘Pocahontas’, ‘Woodie’, and even a ‘Royal Mail’ letterbox on their doorsteps.

“The ‘letterbox’ was actually the only costume I had to buy – when people saw me out in that, they started saying, ‘Here, I’ve got a costume you could wear’,” said Geoff.

Each morning, people living along their

rounds regularly left out bags and boxes of food donations for the Royal Mail delivery vans.

“The response was fantastic,” said Geoff. “People also started asking us if we could accept cash donations as well.”

So he set up a GoFundMe site which has raised more than £3,000 for the foodbank in Ballymena.

Although the GoFundMe site is now closed, Geoff will continue delivering to the foodbank.

“I was aware that there was a risk I might get coronavirus, but unlike many others, I was a key worker and had a regular job during lockdown.

“And anyway, I got as much out of it as everyone else. It was the least I could do.”

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Wedding bliss: Jann Tipping and Annalan Navaratnam

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Images: rebeccacarpenterphotography.com

Doctor and nurse tie the knot in hospital Co Down nurse and a doctor, who had to cancel their wedding due to the coronavirus outbreak, have got married at the same hospital where they both work.

Jann Tipping, 34, who is originally from Bangor, and Annalan Navaratnam, 30, tied the knot at the end of April in the Grade Two listed chapel at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

The couple had planned to marry in August in London, but decided to cancel due to fears over their families being unable to travel there safely from Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka.

Rather than postpone the event, the pair, from Tulse Hill in south London, wanted to get married as soon as possible with their guests being able to watch remotely.

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They asked the hospital’s chaplaincy team if it was possible to have a private wedding ceremony in the chapel, which has features dating back to when St Thomas’ opened on its current site opposite the Houses of Parliament in 1870.

Jann, an ambulatory emergency nurse, said: “We wanted to have the ceremony while everyone was still healthy, even if it meant our loved ones having to watch us on a screen. We wanted to make sure we could celebrate while we were all still able to.

“The chaplaincy team worked hard to get permission for us to be married, which we appreciated greatly at a time when so much was going on.

“A date was set within two weeks and we hadn’t bought my dress, our rings and other things we needed,

so we rushed to get everything done quickly for the wedding.”

After the ceremony the newlyweds hosted a virtual drinks reception for their guests, which included their first dance and speeches. They had sent guests champagne for the reception to their homes in advance.

Jann said: “We had a beautiful wedding day which we will always remember. It was a nice thing to happen in the middle of an anxious time.”

Annalan, an acute medical registrar who has been working at St Thomas’ for one year, added: “Jann and I wanted to get married from the moment I proposed.

We’re so happy that we have been able to commit ourselves to one another and that the hospital has been able to support us to do that.”

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The best of Friends

Stephanie Mitchell, left, says the Belfast Friendship Club has focused on providing a range of activities during the pandemic, including hosting a weekly music podcast

Stephanie Mitchell reports on how her club adopted inventive solutions nder normal circumstances, Belfast Friendship Club (BFC) hosts a vibrant, diverse and thriving space in which newcomers from anywhere in the world are warmly welcomed, along with locals, to join our huge, unruly ‘family’ of members.

In practice, this results in meaningful connections and friendships forged with one another irrespective of our backgrounds or circumstances, be that migrant worker, unemployed, retiree, asylum seeker, or refugee. Perhaps this sounds too good to be true? The truth is that a one-point agenda of consistently offering a safe, inclusive and impartial space pretty much weekly for 11 years can create this human warming in action. We are hard-wired for connection after all.

However, current circumstances are anything but normal.

As coordinator, my role during that time has been to juggle people, resources, opportunities and ideas, but nothing in our experience could have prepared us for the lockdown.

When the news first broke, instead of springing into action immediately, a group of us thought carefully about the role of BFC in members’ lives and what that dictated in terms of how to respond.

Connection and wellbeing came into focus pretty quickly and so we started work.

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Being ‘online’ swiftly became the accepted new norm, the virtual world of Google Meet, Zoom, Jitsi and their respective challenges. But being online assumes a level of phone/internet credit simply absent for many people including a lot of our members, whose experience of digital exclusion came into sharp focus.

In response, our efforts became concentrated on connectivity by whatever means possible, and on a range of initiatives to help keep people involved and engaged with one another and hopeful in these strange, surreal and dislocating times.

Here are some of them: • Keep talking: a project whereby BFC asylum seekers can receive phone credit remotely.

• A buddy system: members are linked together for regular phone contact.

• A virtual craft table: members take turns to lead a craft activity by using simple household materials.

• A fitness group: one of our members leads an online cardio fitness session for others.

• A mindfulness group: one of our members leads guided meditation sessions and a chance to talk about our mental well-being in a supportive environment.

• Virtual BFC online: a weekly welcome to join other members for a chat, and see and

hear familiar faces and voices.

• Chief pirate’s address to the crew: my weekly video message to reach out to and reassure our wider membership, boost morale, flag new opportunities, and serve as a reminder about sources of help and support.

However, the pandemic has also given birth to another new initiative that will undoubtedly live on to become part of our new normal.

Our weekly BFC music podcast took off at 8pm on Friday, March 27, 2020, finding an immediate and enthusiastic audience, due, in no small part, to the professionalism of our host and the knowledge of our musical guru.

Music plays a central and very popular part of BFC activities/events and the podcast gives us a chance to unify around the musical choices, announcements and dedications that usually take place at the club.

The future potential for this is clear as a means of including members who cannot physically attend BFC for various reasons.

Our sights are set on an internet radio show and the possibilities are endless.

In this new normal, Naomi Klein’s message has never seemed more prescient: “We live in an interconnected world, in an interconnected time, and we need holistic solutions.”

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Delighted: Trainee arts therapist Rachel Horne

Rachel wins ‘Hero Award’ for hospice art therapy in the midst of a pandemic

By Kylie Noble trainee arts therapist working in a hospice in Yorkshire has been awarded a ‘Hero Award’ for her work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thirty-four-year-old Rachel Horne, provides therapy to patients at St John’s Hospice in Doncaster. The award was presented by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust.

Initially the art therapy department had closed.

“I wrote a note to our Sister, explaining that I would do anything to support the hospice – cleaning, admin, anything,” said Rachel.

In normal times, Rachel was

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based in the day therapy section. The pandemic has seen this transformed into a ward, with several coronavirus patients being admitted.

Although she “can’t quite say, I’ve been on the frontline” as the ward isn’t an intensive care unit, it has been, she admitted, a “challenging time” but “we’ve been an incredible team – this experience has brought us closer together.”

Art therapy is a method used for terminal patients to process their feelings and emotions. The current pandemic has meant resources are tight. She only has one small box of craft materials to work with at present.

During the pandemic, digital

technology became a huge part of working with the patients and connecting with loved ones, who are not permitted to visit the hospice.

“We’ve set-up opportunities to do video calls with patients and their families.

We’ve also designed some creative projects so families can correspond by writing letters.

“The public have been knitting and crocheting hearts, which we then include in a card, which the family receive on admission. The other goes to their loved one in the hospice.”

Many of Rachel’s peers have lost all their work. “As a creative person I feel incredibly lucky to use my skills in this way,” she said.

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Pedal power: Peter Livingstone who helped to raise funds for people with learning disabilities

By Una Murphy ’Arche is a charity that builds communities with people who have learning disabilities. Like others in the Third Sector it has been badly affected by the Covid-19 public health crisis.

This is the story of one young man who has been raising money for the charity. I first got to know 31-year-old Peter Livingstone and his family a few years ago when I worked on a TV documentary, ‘The Girl from Donegal’, about his late grandmother, the singer Bridie Gallagher.

Peter was a great help to the crew helping us to move equipment when we were filming at his parents’ home in Belfast.

I was impressed when I found out that Peter, who has a learning disability, has been partially sighted from birth, and is a Mencap Northern Ireland Inclusion Consultant, had literally ‘got on his bike’ to raise funds for L’Arche.

I asked his dad, Jim, a former civil servant, for more information.

Jim told VIEW: “L’Arche, like so many other charities during the current pandemic have seen a massive drop in their income from donations. They get some

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funding from the Belfast Trust, but depend for their survival on financial donations from the public.

“Their local office decided to run a GoFundMe scheme during May to encourage people with a learning disability and their friends and family to exercise regularly during lockdown, and at the same time secure donations for the exercise they took.

“Some did walking or running, some did weight training, some did gardening, but Peter decided he would cycle between three and five miles every day for the 15 days set aside for the programme. He had bought an adult tricycle four years ago (he can’t ride a bicycle because of his disability)

and used it sometimes around Ormeau Park near his parents’ home, but never regularly and certainly not every day.

“He took on the challenge with gusto and, with the help of social media, gathered more and more sponsors each day.

“The charity had set a donation target of £6,500. Peter never missed a single day and pushed himself further and further. He loved the challenge.

“He loved the freedom of cycling through the park. He loved the fact that people, many he didn’t even know, were giving money to L’Arche because of what he and the others were doing.

“In the end all the L’Arche fundraisers attracted donations of £9,000 over the 15 days.”

And Peter?

“His efforts, after cycling about 50 miles, realised more than £1,000, an amount he’s really thrilled to have achieved. What did he do the day after the programme ended? He was back out on the tricycle and now seems intent on achieving some sort of world record for tricycle riding,” added Jim. Well done community hero Peter Livingstone.

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Delighted: James Patton, above, was able to enjoy his regular takeway and Paul (inset) who was able to video call his mother – all thanks to staff at Positive Futures

Dad praises the ‘forgotten heroes’

By Mike Philpott he father of a young man with complex needs, including autism, has praised the people he regards as the “forgotten heroes” of the coronavirus crisis.

Ronnie Patton, a senior lecturer at Ulster University, said: “I don’t want to take away from the work of the many other heroes in the health and social care service, but the sector that hasn’t been talked about is supported living. My wife Pam and I have always known they would go the extra mile for the people they support, but since this crisis began, they have been sensational.”

Ronnie’s son James is supported full time by Positive Futures’ Windermere Supported Living Service in Lisburn. The

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charity supports people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury or autistic spectrum condition.

The joint manager of the service, Laura Fleming, said: “James has had a McDonald’s takeaway every Saturday for 10 years. So, when it was announced that his local restaurant was closing, it had the potential to cause him major stress.

“The staff went to the restaurant and were able to obtain boxes and other takeaway items. Then they went in search of burgers and oven chips as close to the original as possible. As a result, James has been able to enjoy his takeaway every week as usual.”

Ronnie said: “This is just one of many amazing examples of how the staff have worked hard to keep James calm and content when his routine has been thrown

into disarray. We can’t praise them enough.

They’re our heroes of the pandemic.”

Positive Futures’ Windermere service also set up a video link to enable another young man to video call his mother, who has been unable to visit during the lockdown.

“Paul, who is non-verbal, has been very stressed because his mum couldn’t visit,” Laura said. “His face lit up when he saw her and other members of his family on the video screen. He kept touching the screen as she spoke.”

The charity’s Chief Executive, Agnes Lunny, said: “I’m so proud to head an organisation full of such dedicated and imaginative people, who have been working extra hard to make things easier for the people we support during this very disruptive time.”

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Frontline staff at the refuge in south Belfast

Self-help and mutual support for women, by women, with women Sarah Bruce reports on how a Belfast refuge has risen to the challenge to help support domestic abuse victims during the coronavirus pandemic rom the outset of Covid-19, the horror of domestic abuse in lockdown has dominated much of the media’s coverage. Which is why we should cast a spotlight on the vital, life-saving work of our Women’s Aid support workers and the women and children who inspire us, especially in these challenging times.

Diane Hickey, a refuge worker in south Belfast, has spoken about how life in their refuge has adapted to meet the needs of women; “Covid-19 has had a major impact on women and children and the team have really stepped up to change how we work. Keeping women safe, supporting them through the impact of domestic violence, and helping women deal with the anxieties of being isolated from their families and friends has been

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our main focus.”

Diane added: “There has been a real sense of community in the refuge, with women and staff pulling together to face the challenges head-on. There is a real sense of unity with many women being high risk. Everyone has stepped up to support new women coming in to the refuge.

“Daily tasks have never been more important, such as cleaning rooms and getting them ready for women and children arriving. Everyone is playing their part.”

Women’s Aid also provide crucial outreach support to women in our local community.

Diane said: “Through funding, public support and partnership with other agencies, we have been able to provide

food and essential items to women in the community.

“Our outreach team has also adapted to supporting women and children in the community by using alternative communication channels to maintain frontline services.

“Phone line opening hours have been extended to include evenings and weekends to ensure information, support and refuge accommodation are as accessible as possible.”

“Our campaign, ‘At Home Should Not Mean at Risk’, implores any woman feeling unsafe and trapped in her home due to abuse to reach out. Emotional and practical support is available.

“Our ethos, ‘Self-help and mutual support, for women, by women, with women’, has never rang truer.”

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GoFundMe page rockets to feed the heroes

Support: Cian O’Flaherty

By Megan McDermott n the days leading up to the lockdown in the Republic of Ireland, Dublin tech workers Cian O’Flaherty and Tad McAllister decided to set up the GoFundMe page ‘Feed the Heroes’ to send some meals to frontline health workers.

“At that point no one really knew what they were facing but we knew that we were told to stay at home and they were to be in work constantly. So we were all aware that they were in a much riskier scenario than we were,” said Cian.

“I thought we were just going to order a few pizzas over a couple of days with maybe raising €1,000, but it very quickly became much bigger than anything I had anticipated. We hit about €10,000 on that first day, and we broke through €100,000 within the first couple of days. It just took on a life of its own.

“On the first day I was just manually ordering takeaways to be delivered to hospitals,” Cian said. “But as the lockdown set in it became clear that staff would need ongoing healthy meals and plenty of them.

At the height of the pandemic the team and their volunteers supplied just under 30,000 meals a week via catering companies all over the country.

“We learned really early that the meal was not just of nutritional value. These people were doing 14-hour days. Getting in and out of the PPE and getting a meal was already a challenge but if it was a Covid ward they would be boxed off from the rest of their colleagues so actually getting food and sustenance wasn’t possible and neither was social contact. So the meals were a connection from all of us staying at home. We wanted to say thank you and that we appreciate you, as well as keeping them going while they were fighting the pandemic.

“The people and small businesses of Ireland have been incredibly generous to keep us going.”

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Delighted: Staff at University Hospital Kerry with their food delivery from the Bookshelf Cafe, Tralee

Ready to go: One of the chefs from The Morrison Hotel, Dublin

Thumbs up: Staff member at Clonskeagh Hospital, Dublin, after receiving a food delivery from Naomi's Kitchen

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It feels like nobody is being left behind Caoimhe Rudden tells Megan McDermott why she loves working in helpline service aoimhe Rudden coordinates the new Good Morning Monaghan call service which reaches out to those isolated during the lockdown.

“For some of these people this might be the only call that they are receiving that day or that week,” she said. “With restrictions like this, any kind of extra care or compassion is just massive to people. So I suppose that phone call is just a lifeline for them.”

The HSE-funded initiative, run by Monaghan Integrated Development, was always in the pipeline but it was fast tracked in response to the pandemic. The scheme is volunteer-based with each person making calls from their own home.

“Some of the volunteers themselves have said they were feeling isolated and they were very happy to do some phone calls,” Caoimhe said.

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Compassion: Caoimhe Rudden “I suppose that’s the beauty about it in a time when we are being told to stay at home, that this can be done simply with your phone. People are still feeling very much connected.

“Some people have come back and

said I actually set my alarm and wait by the phone for that one phone call during the week. Other clients might say it’s just great to know that someone’s looking out for me. Others are well looked after by family, but it’s that new person to chat to that they’re really delighted with.”

Clients can also ask for help with groceries and prescription pick ups, which Caoimhe then arranges with the Monaghan Volunteer Centre. She adds: “So they know that it’s not just a phone call; if they are stuck and they need anything, we are there.”

After working in Dublin for eight years, Caoimhe said: “When you go back to the country and you see how amazing the small communities are, especially during a time like this, it’s incredible. It feels like nobody is been left behind.”

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Community spirit on display as Jayne helps neighbours

By Brian Pelan n October 21, 1966, a coal waste tip fell onto Pantglas Junior School in Aberfan in Wales killing 116 children and 28 adults. One of the abiding memories of the terrible tragedy was the sight of hundreds of people digging with their bare hands in a desperate bid to rescue those trapped under the coal.

Jayne Thomas, who was born on that fateful day, has perhaps inherited some of the amazing community spirit which was on display in Aberfan.

Like so many others, she was affected by the lockdown which took force in March, but decided that she needed to help her elderly neighbours who were not allowed to leave their homes.

Jayne, who works part time in an office, said: “Initially I found the lockdown really hard because I am so used to being outside and doing lots of stuff. It was mentally tough.

“My husband and I had recently moved recently into a bungalow in Whitchurch in Cardiff and I didn’t really know any of our neighbours.

“A lot of them were aged between 70 and 90. I decided to put a note with my mobile number and a brief description of who I was through the doors of my street to ask if anyone needed anything.

“People texted me back to say thanks for the offer and that it was really kind of me to ask. I now have two neighbours that I regularly shop for. They are aged 79 and 86. I pick up their prescriptions and do the shopping for them every week.

“I also deliver newspapers every day to a number of homes.

“And I also deliver a cooked dinner every Sunday to a 94-year-old neighbour. I have now got to know all the neighbours that I’m helping out.

“We recently held a VE Day in the street on May 8 to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. We played wartime music, including Vera Lynn songs, to mark the occasion. It was a good old-fashioned tea, coffee and cake day, and everyone really enjoyed it.”

As well as helping her elderly neighbours, Jayne is also shopping for her mother and some of her in-laws. “A couple of neighbours made me some face masks

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Jayne Thomas started to shop for people who were shielding so I could keep myself safe,” she added.

Jayne believes that the community spirit in the area she lives in has improved 100 per cent because of the lockdown.

“It’s a totally different place now as everyone is shopping locally, and everybody says ‘hello’. I think people will

now shop more locally in the future.

“I don’t believe we will return to the ‘old normal’.

“I already thinking about how I can help a 95-year-old neighbour to celebrate Christmas. I hate to think of her sitting alone in her house. People are definitely going to change.”

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Some of the pharmacy volunteers and staff who helped out during the pandemic

Pharmacy volunteers rise to the occasion Community scheme delivers vital medicines to people who are self-isolating group of volunteers have delivered medicines to people who were unable to leave their homes in Northern Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Community Support for Community Pharmacy Scheme was established by Community Development & Health Network (CDHN) to co-ordinate the community and voluntary sector support for community pharmacies across Northern Ireland during the pandemic.

More and more people were finding themselves in the position of needing medication delivered to their homes due to self-isolation and shielding policies, which were putting further strain on community pharmacies.

Delivering medication is a serious function and places specific responsibilities

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on volunteers, including the need to maintain patient confidentiality, adhere to public health guidance, and maintain the security and safety of the medicines. It was important that this was co-ordinated regionally with robust procedures in place.

Mark Timoney, of Timoney Pharmacy, Lisburn, engaged with a group of volunteers from The Resurgam Trust, to ensure customers, who were unable to leave their homes, received their medication when they needed it.

Mark said: “The onset of the coronavirus pandemic signalled several changes in how our health care system would operate for the foreseeable future.

“As a result, we considered ways in which our pharmacy service could respond to the impact that Covid-19 would have on the local community, and how we could

best guarantee an ongoing access to patients’ medicines.”

The service, since it started, has proved an unqualified success.

“In a time of unprecedented change for the delivery of health and social care, we are able to identify housebound patients, and deliver their medicines to them quickly. Our system assisted the pharmacy team in meeting changing health care needs, helps the most vulnerable in our society and further strengthens relationships with the wider community.”

• For more information on the Community Support for Community Pharmacy Scheme, contact CDHN on 028 3026 4606 or visit www.cdhn.org

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A helping hand: Thousands of food deliveries have been left at the doors of older people who were unable to leave their homes

Our Mutual friends Joseph Pelan reports on the volunteers who are helping the vulnerable he community response to the Covid-19 pandemic has witnessed the creation of more than 1,000 volunteer groups which have sprung up across the United Kingdom.

Covid-19 Mutual Aid online groups are providing a range of services and goods, including food delivery, collecting prescriptions, and phoning those who are unable to leave their homes.

This has helped to relieve the considerable pressure on already stretched frontline services.

The first mutual aid group was set up in Lewisham, south London, on March 12, by 24 year-old theatre worker Seren JohnWood and a group of her friends.

Since its launch they have helped to establish a UK-wide umbrella organisation,

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whose website displays a map of volunteer groups – from Cornwall to London, Scotland to Northern Ireland.

Phoneafriend service, is one such student-led initiative, set up by the charity organisation Coranunity. It connects volunteers with those isolating at home such as the elderly and vulnerable people who may be experiencing loneliness as a result of being cut off from their usual points of contact, and who may also potentially have to self-isolate longer than other parts of society.

There are concerns around the security of vulnerable people from criminals looking to exploit the situation. Those looking to receive or give help are encouraged to first tell a friend or family member about any arangements,

especially when it involves transactions involving money.

National co-ordinator of Islington Mutual Aid group, Kelsey Mohamed, explained how vital groups – like his – are for local communities.

“This isn’t a crisis like any that we have experienced in our lifetimes.

Solidarity rather than charity is what is required.

“We are already up and running in most major cities, and more than 1,500 Facebook groups have been set up.

Networks such as Mutual Aid are going to change society for the long-term.”

• Go to Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK to find out more details – www.covidmutualaid.org/

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Teamwork: Louise, just one of the many Red Cross volunters who have delivered food and medicine

British Red Cross: Making sure that the vulnerable receive the help they need

By Lindsay Beacom o all our Red Cross Covid-19 heroes – volunteers and staff members – thank you. When we first heard about a new respiratory disease, no country could have foreseen the damage that lay ahead.

The British Red Cross is no stranger to emergency response. During our 150year history, we have been through two world wars and the Spanish Flu. And more recently, we have responded to emergencies such as the London Bridge and Manchester Arena terror attacks.

Closer to home we have supported people during the 2017 north west floods and the Primark fire in Belfast – always working to protect people and put their needs first. Helping people through unimaginably hard times, so that they come out stronger, is our bread and butter.

Every member of our movement plays a part – from staff members to newly

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signed-up volunteers, from long-standing supporters to those who donate to our response right now. Together, we are making sure people who are vulnerable get the help they need.

In Northern Ireland, the British Red Cross has been delivering food and medicines to people who are shielding at home, recently out of hospital, and vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers.

People such as Gary and Louise have helped support more than 3,500 people with food and medicine deliveries.Others like Robyn have helped people get home from hospital, make sure they resettle and follow up with welfare checks. And volunteers such as Mamadou have helped more than 500 people with a wheelchair or mobility aid equipment loan.

Our ambulance team has helped transport more than 750 people, almost half of them with Covid-19 or Covidrelated symptoms. Our amazing staff and volunteers have helped support vulnerable

refugees and asylum seekers with advice, emotional support and food parcels.

Together with Doctors of the World and others, we have helped translate health advice into 60 languages. Our family tracing and reunion teams continue their work of keeping people in touch and preparing to reunite families when circumstances allow.

Shannon,Victoria, and many others on our coronavirus support line, have helped more than 2,000 callers with advice and practical help. Around a third have received emotional support, and more than half were in need of urgent practical help, such as food or medicine.

The British Red Cross has been a lifeline for people in crisis for many years.

Now we must let kindness be the thread that stitches the fabric of society back together, at home and throughout the world. And we thank every single volunteer and staff member for their support.

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