Since 2017, East Coseley Big Local has invested in projects that help people of all ages to connect, make new friendships and build confidence. These projects have included a Community Cinema, regular ‘Lunch and Chat’ events, and ‘Just Start Talking’ (JST), a project that connects and supports local people who may be experiencing isolation and loneliness within the Coseley community.
Many activities had taken place in community venues across Coseley and brought together many local people. However, in early April 2020, activities organised to take place at these venues were cancelled in response to lockdown restrictions.
A new way to connect people
Last year, JST’s Community Connectors built up relationships with people of all ages and hosted regular coffee mornings and craft sessions at the Rainbow Community Centre in Coseley.
When lockdown restrictions were imposed, coffee morning regulars (and new people introduced through the COVID-19 Support Network) were invited to join a virtual coffee morning using Zoom. This gave people the opportunity to continue to meet in a safe environment and chat over a ‘virtual cuppa’ without having to leave their home. Many people in Coseley have since been supported by Big Local to get online and use new technology through one-to-one coaching (socially distanced or over the phone).
The coffee morning group are invited to come up with ideas for activities, including virtual games, crafts and quizzes. Participants are also encouraged to lead and host Zoom coffee morning sessions to build their confidence.
As lockdown measures eased during the Summer, the Community Connectors responded to the different interests and needs of the group. Gardening activities were organised for people who were having problems with screen glare and those who wanted to meet physically at a safe distance outdoors.
Isolated people referred to the project are now invited out for walks to gently connect them to others which could potentially lead to new friendships.
JST’s Community Connectors have connected with many people experiencing isolation and loneliness during the pandemic, providing support and opportunities to get involved in new activities and connect with others.
Marilyn, who initially came along to a dementia cafe, was invited to an online craft session, she is now involved in the coffee morning. Her husband also now plays guitar at outdoor socially distanced gatherings.
Another lady, Marion, who was involved in the project, and had no-one else to support her, passed away. The connection and friendship she found with JST’s Community Connectors before she passed meant that she was able to talk to someone and share her life story. Marion’s story now lives on in a book called Living Memory.
Coseley’s coffee morning is now a registered Place of Welcome. Places of Welcome is a growing network of local community groups providing their neighbourhoods with places where all people feel safe to belong, connect and contribute.
JST’s Community Connectors host two online sessions each week, a crafting session on Tuesday 1-3pm and a social get together on Thursday 10-12pm. The team also offer over the phone/in-person tuition to help isolated people to connect online. To find out more visit their Facebook page
What else happened to keep people in Coseley connected?
- At the beginning of Lockdown, Easter eggs were donated to Dudley CVS (East Coseley’s local trusted organisation) by the police to be distributed to older people. The eggs were then donated to East Coseley Big Local to distribute to coffee morning regulars and vulnerable people at Jack Newell Court. This became a way to start conversations and make new connections with more vulnerable people.
- JST’s Community Connectors received a £30 prize from Chutneys Indian restaurant for their good work in the community. They decided to donate the prize money to the community and distributed to nominated people. From this, a new connection was made with a lady interested to get more involved as a participant in the project.
- A new connection has been made with Broadway Halls Care Home in Dudley and they participated in East Coseley Big Local activities.
- Sunflowers were gifted to people on Coseley by JST Community Connectors, to encourage photo sharing and interactions on social media throughout the growing process.
Read more about East Coseley’s response to the pandemic…We’ve drawn together a report featuring insights from Big Local workers and Core Group members, research and existing knowledge to provide a record and examples of ways in which East Coseley Big Local projects and partners responded to COVID-19 during lockdown, in relation to East Coseley Big Local Plan priorities, and to indicate and give examples of emerging and potential activities and work which responds to Big Local Plan priorities and recovery post-lockdown. Read the review here: http://www.eastcoseleybiglocal.net/covid-19-review/
