St Albans/Welwyn/Hatfield Area Report 17/4/20

Being creative and keeping people connected

Over recent days, it has been wonderful to see posters in local roads offering practical help to neighbours, ‘swap shops’ for toys and books, invitations to ‘help oneself’ to no longer needed items, messages of support for our NHS ‘chalked’ in driveways and on walls, pictures of rainbows of hope in windows as well as displays of teddy bears in gardens enjoying picnics, taking exercise on a bike and relaxing on a sun lounger. All these things bring a smile during our daily exercise and demonstrate a real sense of community with everyone supporting each other through these difficult times. ‘WhatsApp’, telephone and other support mechanisms are also being used as a means of maintaining social contact as well as practical assistance.

Individuals, families and groups have been creative in finding new ways to enjoy spending time together by ‘meeting’ virtually to participate in quizzes, dinner parties, games’ evenings, ‘nights in’ at the opera or theatre and reading bedtime stories to grandchildren. I am also aware of one group planning a ‘virtual’ wine tasting!

In addition, many organisations are rising to the challenge of having to do things differently. Businesses are diversifying, and we are extremely grateful to those who are offering food and other supplies to NHS staff and hospitals in our area. Many restaurants and pubs are offering ‘take out’ meals for collection or delivery as well as store-cupboard and fresh food items for purchase.

The Company of Ten at the Abbey Theatre St Albans have made available one of their recent productions online for free. They have also launched a project inviting individuals to submit short scripts on the topic of social isolation during the time of the Coronavirus. Scripts will be considered as to their suitability to be made into a short film. (Website: abbeytheatre.org.uk)

Many individuals in Hertfordshire, including the Lord-Lieutenant and his family, are giving of their time as volunteers in a variety of ways through various networks. It is both inspiring and humbling to see the many hours given freely as individuals seek to serve those around them.

The charity Communities 1 st, with the assistance and financial support of the two District Councils, is taking the lead on coordinating the volunteer response to the COVID-19 pandemic across St. Albans, Hertsmere, Welwyn/Hatfield, Broxbourne and East Herts to support the most vulnerable. The charity is chaired by Stuart Nagler DL and has the full support of the Lord-Lieutenant. (See more details on the Lieutenancy website. To enquire about joining the Communities 1st scheme, phone 0203 940 4865 on weekdays between 1 and 3 pm.)

Existing charities and support groups have changed their practices to accommodate social distancing measures but are still providing much-needed services. Here are some examples of what is happening locally, together with details as to how to access services:

The University of Hertfordshire has been actively involved in making hand sanitiser and donating items of equipment and supplies to NHS workers. Students have been volunteering for the NHS in various ways and the Herts Law Clinic continues to offer free legal advice via video conferencing and maintains its satellite clinic with Future Living, a Domestic Abuse charity. Facebook groups have been set up for students who are self-isolating and a range of online activities and virtual sports are on offer.