Covid-19

Coseley’s Covid-19 community response – Insights from residents, groups, organisations and workers

Helena Norman Big Local, Big Local Plan, community activities, Core Group, Ideas, Supporting our local groups November 12, 2020November 18, 2020community groups, community spirit, Core Group, Coseley, Covid-19, East Coseley, insights 0 Comment

Have you noticed or heard about any of the following, or other changes to the way that people in Coseley work and live during the pandemic? Here are some of the general things we’ve noticed happening in Coseley and surrounding areas:

More people taking an interest in growing
The value of a neighbourly chat over the fence
An increase in acts of kindness for vulnerable neighbours
An increased appreciation for open spaces
People started slowing down and embracing nature
People discovering new places on daily walks
People reviewing unnecessary spending, exploring simple ways to entertain at home
Older people using technology to connect with loved ones and to find old friends
People cycling, running or walking to places instead of using their car
People using local businesses more for essential supplies

In September 2020, residents, groups, organisations and workers in Coseley came together to discuss and gather insights from the response to the pandemic, and generate learning to inform the Big Local delivery. Here are some of the things people said:

Observations of ways local residents, groups, organisations or workers in Coseley supported people in communities to stay connected and well during lockdown:

New groups emerged to take action and to help other people access services. Local residents responded to the pandemic by setting up community support networks on social media, including Facebook pages ‘Here to Help’ and ‘Born and Bred’ sharing local information and advice. Next Door was set up for Roseville (Nextdoor is the neighbourhood hub for trusted connections and the exchange of helpful information, goods, and services.)
The work of the JST Community Connectors, supporting residents with family living far away, and the efforts of local groups and residents supporting local isolated people.
Collaborative working with groups and organisations, Just Straight Talk, Coseley Food Bank, residential homes (Willowfields and Jack Newall Court) Dudley CVS, Integrated Plus, and external funders, helped Big Local workers to meet the challenges of the pandemic and reach more vulnerable people in Coseley. Big Local Community Connectors also teamed up with local community groups using communication tool, Whatsapp, to maintain connection.
Local groups, including Coseley Food Bank, found it good to interact with more people and support people in need with food supplies and shopping. Families were also supported with bespoke food bank parcels if there were particular dietary needs.
Older residents used social media to connect people together to improve local green spaces. An 82 year old man who wanted to look after his wife’s grave used Facebook to call out for help to improve the churchyard, and to let them know when he’d be there if they wanted to help or simply have a chat. A section of the churchyard has now been transformed.
Helping people to stay connected using tablets funded by Big Local resulted in people making new connections and reconnecting with old friends. The reach and value for money of this project investment was recognised.
The pandemic made people look out for their neighbours more than ever before. People were looking after their neighbours despite having to self isolate. This included small acts of kindness to new neighbours who were new to the area, signposted to useful local information. This helped to bring people together.
Volunteers in Coseley have gone further than simply doing people’s shopping, going the extra mile to respond to other needs including tackling loneliness by befriending, connecting to others or supporting people with IT.
Groups have received funding from Big Local during the pandemic. The Coseley Station gardeners, have maintained Coseley stations platform garden throughout lockdown. The team have received £500 of Big Local funding to continue to improve the green space. Local group, New Hope Church, received funding from Big Local for Baby Bank, to connect with and provide essential supplies for families.
Some restrictions have been lifted but people are still restricted in what they can do and Government guidelines change on a daily basis. The pandemic isn’t over.
There are barriers for people with technology. Some people are without I.T. equipment, have low confidence in using new technology or poor wifi, meaning that some people were not able to connect in virtual ways.
Local groups recognised the need for venue improvements during the pandemic, for example, 1st Coseley Scouts have found the motivation to make improvements to the scout hut.
Big Local Community Connectors joined virtual meetings delivered by Local Trust to connect and take part in conversations with other Big Local areas. It was noted that other Big Local areas faced similar challenges and emerging themes.
Big Local workers found that many people wanted to continue to volunteer and support vulnerable people in the community when the Covid-19 Support Network ended.

What stands out about how Big Local funded work adapted in approach to continue to support and connect local people during lockdown? i.e. what did we change?

Using new technology to connect including Zoom; Christ Church used Zoom every day for prayer.
Big Local Community workers have adapted the way they work with virtual interactions, including telephone calls, video calls and Zoom gatherings to keep people connected.
Responding to people’s needs to meet physically as lockdown measures eased, providing opportunities to get involved in safe outdoor gardening activities.
Work during the pandemic adapted to the situation, projects would be different going forwards in recovery, and must be looked at accordingly.
The quick turnaround of funding from Big Local, e.g. to fund the baby bank at New Hope Baptist Church; helped to set people free to do what’s needed.
Immediate reaction from local groups at the start of the pandemic and preparation of local groups ahead of lockdown.
Bringing in outside funding to trial activities to connect people in different ways, including, fish and chip suppers, online Coseley Community Cinema.

How might any of these changes inform future delivery against Big Local plan priorities?

Intense levels of activity during lockdown can’t be sustained, but perhaps there will be more effective ways of responding to things – shown by how swiftly responses were developed.
Coseley’s community centre’s and buildings can no longer be used in the same way. Groups and venues of all sizes are now looking at ways to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose, and are ready for use when restrictions are lifted. The Big Local group recognises that groups and venues will experience new challenges and need support in ensuring they can run their usual activities in a safe way.
Reconnecting with people who previously attended Big Local activities particularly those experiencing loneliness and isolation. If data protection was addressed, Big Local could fund Christmas goody bags to be delivered to older people who would normally attend Lunch and Chat events.

What learning for the next 3 years should East Coseley Big Local take away from this period, based on your interactions, observations, conversations and experiences during COVID-19 response?

The importance of mental wellbeing of people in the community. People and families forced into isolation. People who fear coming out of isolation. Not just young adults but young children who do not understand what is going on but feel things are quite different and cannot cope with change. An example is Christmas at school. School plays and parties, if they take place the young are used to what went before but may not understand why it is different now. Coping with school life as it is now and maybe family life as well.
Changing ideas and the way Big Local moves forward.
How the community has pulled together and to not let that slip away again

You can read more about East Coseley’s response to the pandemic here: http://www.eastcoseleybiglocal.net/covid-19-review/

Exploring new and creative ways to keep people connected in Coseley

Helena Norman Big Local, Big Local Plan, community activities, connectors, older people October 28, 2020November 2, 2020Coseley, Covid-19, Isolation and loneliness 0 Comment

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/

Supporting East Coseley through COVID-19 – Our story so far…

Helena Norman Big Local, community activities, connectors, Ideas, older people April 30, 2020April 30, 2020Coseley, Coseley Foodbank, Covid-19, Dudley CVS, Integrated Plus, Virtual activities 0 Comment

Thousands of community support groups have come together across the country to support the most vulnerable in our communities. Despite being in lockdown and new daily challenges, we’ve come together to respond to the coronavirus outbreak with such positivity and we’ve seen overwhelming acts of kindness and community spirit.

We’re looking out for our neighbours as well as our family and friends, and more than ever before, we’re beginning to identify the most vulnerable and isolated people within our communities.

Some people will be self-isolating, some will be staying at home because they are most at risk of being hospitalised by COVID-19, some will be struggling to carry out everyday tasks, and some may have already been isolated and lonely and will be at increased risk.

Our East Coseley Big Local team have been presented with many new changes and challenges since the beginning of the pandemic. These challenges have become opportunities to find new creative and inventive ways to connect with and support our Coseley community.

Whether it’s dropping off shopping or medication, a chat from a distance, a friendly phone call, or tackling technology together as a way to keep in touch, we’re finding new ways to help people to stay connected and well, supporting them through their daily challenges.

Our Community Changemaker, Neil, has been working with the Integrated Plus team from our local trusted organisation, Dudley CVS, to establish a COVID-19 Support Network for Sedgley, Coseley and Gornal. Our partnership with Integrated Plus has enabled us to find the most vulnerable in the community in desperate need of help.

Neil, now co-ordinating the localities response to the outbreak, “We have always known that there are more lonely and isolated people out there and we know how difficult it is to get to them, to make them aware that someone cares. The need for food and medication has opened my eyes to exactly how many lonely and isolated people there are just in my area of Coseley let alone the Dudley borough, which means that when this pandemic is over, there is a lot of work to do.

Myself, Shona and Dave are still trying to do as much Big Local work as possible and helping those who need food and medication. I receive calls and referrals from people in need and then find the right volunteer to carry out those requests. Shona is out shopping, and Dave is on medication runs, dropping off to people with a smile and a chat. I’m so proud of my co-workers out there in the community but that’s what being part of a Big Local is.

Through what I’m doing now for Dudley CVS as a co-ordinator I am seeing some fantastic community spirit.”

Our East Coseley Big Local Community Connectors, Dave and Shona, are supporting people by volunteering with the Network and finding new ways to connect people through virtual coffee mornings.

Dave has volunteered to help with the efforts by carrying out collection of medication from chemists and deliver them to vulnerable people.

”One man, in particular, stated that I was the first person he had seen face to face for a week and it was so refreshing for him. We chatted for about 20 minutes (at a safe distance of course). He said that he had plenty of telephone calls but it was just nice to actually see someone and have a conversation.”

“Shona and myself make regular contact with many of the participants who were attending coffee mornings prior to lockdown. We have done some shopping for them and have regular chats. Contact has until recently been by phone or text. However, last week we started a virtual coffee morning using Zoom and those who dropped in really enjoyed it and want it to be a regular feature. For those that weren’t sure, we spent some time on a 1-2-1 basis coaching them through the process.”

An application has now been approved by Big Local to purchase tablets to enable people to join in with coffee mornings if they don’t have the IT equipment.

“We can now invite more people, and when we eventually come out of lockdown we can use the tablets for future basic IT training in the community.”

Shona has been thinking of new and creative ways to keep people connected, “Covid hit us like a brick and the dust that settled left a place we didn’t recognise and a community in hiding. Almost like stages of grief, we all had changes happening around us that were out of our control and hard to comprehend. We have definitely felt a loss, an anger, confusion and frustration knowing that being isolated from our community when they needed us most would be just as hard, if not harder for them.

But what has come from this? We are communicating more, we are being creative, we are trying new ways to keep in touch, which we will continue to use when this is over and we are making steps to getting people connected who never have been before. We are also speaking to new people with this new ‘thing in common’ and we are being signposted to people who are in particular need for extra help through Dudley CVS referrals.

We are in weekly contact with our community through phone calls, letter, texts, Facebook posts, by referring them for extra help and through video meet ups on Zoom as well as out in the community picking up shopping or medication for those people who normally attend our sessions. The support we are able to give these people who are usually well able and independent is strengthening our relationships further, in now their time of need.

Covid is concreting the foundations of our community and encouraging new shoots to sprout just like the springtime it consumes. Now we understand what living with this virus around us means, we can work alongside it and will continue to support, entertain and communicate with our Coseley community.”

If you would like to find out how you can get involved in the local #Covid19 effort in Coseley visit https://bit.ly/2xd1Yrx or contact Neil Langford at neil@eastcoseleybiglocal.net

If you are interested in joining Dave and Shona at their Virtual Coffee Mornings, visit https://www.facebook.com/pompoms4loneliness/ or get in touch on 07726 210092 or email Dave drobertsjst@gmail.com or Shona shonajst@gmail.com

If you would like to donate to Coseley Foodbank they operate from Darkhouse Baptist Church and is open Tuesdays 10am-2pm only to receive donations and issue food parcels.