Nurse says Buxton social distance support group shows ‘we are one’

Anna Watson says since Buxton street by street COVID-19 support group began in March she has witnessed people ‘reaching out to neighbours they had never spoken to before’.

The group offers help with picking up shopping, urgent supplies and a friendly phone call as well as any other urgent assistance - using the viral kindness postcard developed by Cornish woman Becky Wass soon after the seriousness of the coronavirus crisis became apparent in March.

Street by street now covers every road in Buxton - with 1,200 Facebook members and 200 volunteers on the books.

Volunteers work with Morrisons, Waitrose, United Reformed Church and Residents of Fairfield Association - ensuring emergency food parcels are delivered to those most in need.

They also receive referrals from GP surgeries and are working alongside the community voluntary sector and Derbyshire County Council - along with NHS Volunteer Responders.

Anna said: “When the government started restricting travel and with social distancing measures increasing barriers I began to look at what support was available in Buxton.

“It was obvious that a street-by-street, neighbour-to-neighbour support system would be the best way forward and on March 16 Buxton street by street COVID-19 Facebook group was born.”

Anna told how after ‘years of social division’ she had witnessed people reaching out to neighbours they had never spoken to before - helping with urgent tasks ‘regardless of politics, beliefs or any other differences’.

She said: “In the face of adversity this community has found a way to shine brighter than many of us can remember happening before - we are one.”

During the weekend the group linked up with Buxton schools to make Easter Sunday more special for children most in need - thanking Buxton Morrisons for a generous donation of Easter eggs.

Street by street has now launched a website offering information and updates in relation to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Anyone in need of help or who knows of a service or business which could assist others can get in touch via the contact form on the website.

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