Coronavirus in Derbyshire community live blog: stories close to home

The coronavirus crisis has seen a community response unlike anything in living memory, with businesses, councils and neighbourhoods mobilising to help where they can and countless stories of individual heroism, generosity and kindness.
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This blog is here to highlight those grassroots efforts, along with important information updates, ways to support our communities, and ideas for living well through the lockdown period.

If you have a story you would like us to showcase here, get in touch via email or social media.

Coronavirus in Derbyshire: how our communities are responding to the crisis LIVE

Key Events

  • Even with Derbyshire in lockdown, its residents, businesses, civic leaders and community organisations continue their heroic efforts

Mutual aid groups have been springing up all over the county in the last two weeks, and now their work is to be supplemented by an army of volunteers who have signed up to help the NHS carry out vital tasks.

Children play football in the park next to graffiti in support of the NHS.Children play football in the park next to graffiti in support of the NHS.
Children play football in the park next to graffiti in support of the NHS.

Tips to look after your mental health

While the coronavirus is primarily a huge challenge to physical health, different strands of the crisis will inevitably take their toll on our mental wellbeing too - not least for those who on the frontline.

Take time to appreciate the little things

These quietest of days are a good time to stop and notice all the things around you which you might normally overlook. If you're taking your daily walk, why not snap a few photos and send them in to us.

Visit wonders of the world from the comfort of your couch

Community Response Unit launched to help those in need

Derbyshire County Council says its community response unit is now up and running to  take requests for assistance from members of the community who don’t have friends or family able to help them.

Help is available for people across the county if they are: self isolating because they or a member of their household is at risk; struggling to meet basic needs because of financial, social or health restrictions; pregnant; have underlying health conditions; or are aged 70 or over.

Volunteers from over 200 different organisations will be able to help with shopping, fetching prescriptions or offering a befriending service.

Council Leader, Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We’re supporting this vital task with £1million that we’ve agreed to make available to support our vulnerable residents, families in need and to help businesses.”

Residents needing help should visit https://bit.ly/3ap2TTW anytime or call 01629 535091, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday, 9am to 1pm.

Anyone who would like to offer help with shopping, fetching prescriptions, or making befriending telephone calls should go to https://bit.ly/2UBXAdo.

Help get food to where its needed

FareShare, a charity which takes waste from the food industry and gives it to community organisations, urgently needs volunteers to keep its supply chain moving.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/33MpO9e

A cheerful note to start the week on

Monday mornings have rarely felt as strange as this one, but some of our Derbyshire neighbours are blissfully unaware as the circle of life goes on as normal.

County's engineers step up to the challenge

This Erewash robotics firm has answered the call to help the NHS with life-saving equipment.

Could you help put a roof over someone's head?

Perhaps you know of a holiday cottage or second home near you which is currently empty.

Memories of better days

Social media was filled with people remembering the beauty on their doorstep over the weekend. Check out some great photos using #uniquedistrict 

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