Resilient Communities Need Small Fast-Moving Organisations
I know that by the time you read this, things will have changed. One thing that doesn’t change however, is the generosity of the community towards those less fortunate. In fact, in difficult times, they are more visible and work harder, and many more people join them if they can.
The community sector, and smaller groups in particular, are able to move fast and quickly decide what they can do at the point they’ll be most effective. This is certainly true of three groups that are working together for this recent crisis. (There are so many other people helping as well of course, thankyou all)
I spoke (via email) to Matthew Pancutt about a Facebook group:
“We set up the Wisbech Coronavirus Support group on Facebook with the aim of providing a safe communication network for the community, with the ethic of ‘Let’s not isolate the isolated’. The group grew very quickly to over 2000 members”
They linked up with 50 Backpacks, (who work with the homeless), to help them with spreading their support to others.
Working together, they feel they can “provide a more comprehensive service, trying to ensure that no one is left completely isolated”. Matt tells me: “We are able to help 50 Backpacks provide vulnerable individuals and families with packs of much needed essentials”.
The Facebook group is made up of four admin members, four moderators and 16 further volunteers who are able to help ensure the packs provided by 50 Backpacks are delivered safely to those in need.
Most recently, Fenspirits have provided 50 Backpacks with donations of hand sanitiser, assisting in their efforts to ensure packs given out are as safe as possible.
If you, or someone you know, is in need of support then contact 50 Backpacks on 01945 463306 between 9am and 7pm
Please also contact them if you can donate non-perishables for the packs.
Fenspirits are producing the alcohol-based hand sanitiser using their distillery at the Secret Garden Touring Park in Wisbech St Mary. As well as donating to the work above, they are sending pouches out for free to those who need them and can be contacted on 01945 474502.
Check charities like Age UK – adviceline: 0800 169 65 65
someone to speak to, any time: 0800 470 80 90
The local authorities are also putting in place extra support networks