Humber residents are encouraged to share stories of community spirit

The life changing impact of coronavirus has left many of us feeling down in the dumps, and whilst we try to stay informed of the latest guidance via the news, it can often feel like everything is pretty doom and gloom.

However, during this pandemic, communities across the Humber have come together to support one another, neighbours have helped neighbours, strangers have supported strangers and families have found themselves feeling closer than ever, despite the distance.

Now, partners across the Humber, including NHS Hull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), East Riding of Yorkshire CCG and HEY Smile Foundation have come together to harness this incredible community spirit and share your stories.

Andy Barber, CEO of the HEY Smile Foundation, said: “We are delighted by the community spirit we have seen throughout this pandemic. It is incredibly emotional to think of how these individuals have stepped forward to support complete strangers in their time of need.

“It is therefore only right that we celebrate everyone who has gone out of their way to help, whether collecting shopping or medication, directly supporting our NHS, been a friendly ear or simply doing an act of kindness for their community to help lift spirits.”

Charities, community groups, businesses and volunteers have shown their love and support for our community by working tirelessly to help those who are most vulnerable.

This includes ensuring access to safe housing and medicines for all those who are homeless, distributing food parcels to those who are shielded, hosting free, online workout sessions to keep everyone fit and well, providing toys and clothes for those families who are experiencing financial hardship and supporting our NHS through donations of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Paula South, chief operating officer, NHS East Riding of Yorkshire CCG and Erica Daley, chief operating officer, NHS Hull CCG, said: “The work of charities, community groups and local people has been life-saving in many cases, some directly, some indirectly by allowing our local NHS the capacity to focus its efforts on those in the most need.

“If you have a good news story to share, please get in touch so that we can shine a light on our COVID community heroes.”

Humberside organisations are now asking residents to come forward with their stories so they can highlight the work happening across the community.

To get involved, you can tweet or DM with stories and pictures:

Hull: @NHSHullCCG

East Riding: @EastRidingCCG

Smile Foundation: @SmileF_Hull

Or email:

Hull CCG: Hullccg.contactus@nhs.net

East Riding CCG: ERYCCG.Contactus@nhs.net

Smile: hello@heysmilefoundation.org