At the very beginning of lockdown, we were particularly concerned about the effects of social isolation. Having drummed up fantastic community support and spirit in and amongst Madeley in our first 6 weeks of re-opening, we had regular customers in the café; regular users attending classes, activities and events; and we had developed a strong volunteer workforce which brought people together from across the community. The thought of closing and people in the community being abruptly stripped of social contact was a scary one. Therefore, our first action was to send out a listening ear.
We created a new leaflet reaching out to people who felt isolated, which we distributed locally, uploaded onto our website, and shared via social media. From this, we developed contact with two people who are now called regularly by a longstanding volunteer, and new volunteers have enrolled who are keen to help throughout the pandemic.
On a similar vein, we have kept in touch with all The Anstice volunteers, making regular welfare calls. Because of this regular contact, we are confident that all our volunteers will return to The Anstice when it is safe for them to do so. Also through this maintained contact, several volunteers have since enrolled in a weekly online music group session. This 8-week course is specifically for people not in paid work who are looking to build confidence, learn new skills and receive support in finding education, training, or employment. At the time of writing, we have had confirmation that two volunteers took part in and enjoyed the first session.
Later in March, after The Anstice had closed, we received a call from our local pharmacy who were seeking support with crowd control and deliveries. For approximately one month, both Anstice staff and volunteers manned the door of the pharmacy six days a week. In addition to this, we also responded to calls from members of the community, both directly or through Telford & Wrekin’s Community Support Line, who were shielding or self-isolating and needed assistance with collecting their medication. For three months now, we have delivered medication, both in and outside of Madeley, six days a week. To date we have made over 400 deliveries. In amongst these deliveries are also regular shops for local people.
‘We would like to express our sincere gratitude towards all the volunteers at The Anstice, who have helped us and the customers of Anstice Pharmacy tremendously during the COVID Pandemic. The Anstice has provided support for crowd control during the initial phase of the pandemic (when the public was in a panic mode) and delivering service throughout to patients who are self-isolating or shielding especially when our own delivery drivers were self-isolating in the first month of lockdown. Without the support and assistance from The Anstice, we would not have been able to provide an efficient service to the local community. Their valuable contribution and selfless act are to be highly commended’. – Ying, Anstice Pharmacy
More recently, we supported our local food bank, Telford Crisis Support, by running a food collection drive-thru. In collaboration with the team from Madeley Town Council, Anstice staff and volunteers filled an entire van in just four hours for the food bank, which in turn has supported local people in the community. The event was so well-received, we hope to continue monthly throughout the pandemic.
None of this work, which has been vital to support the Madeley community throughout the pandemic thus far, would have been possible without the support from funders. We have received funding from Reaching Communities England (National Lottery Community Fund), Tesco Bags of Help, The Community Foundation for Staffordshire and the West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner’s Coronavirus Response Fund. Collaboratively, this funding has enabled The Anstice covid-response delivery team to remain un-furloughed, and for those team members to work safely with the correct PPE.
We are extremely grateful for all monies received. Not only has it meant that local people self-isolating or shielding have been supported and well looked after, but it has brought other benefits to the Trust and local businesses. The Anstice, a charitable Trust still very much re-establishing its place at the heart of the community, has been able to engage with a wider group of people. We have developed new relationships with local people, who are now aware of our re-opening and are keen to visit us in the future, and we have strengthened relationships with local groups and businesses; notably the Anstice Pharmacy and Telford & Wrekin Council.
‘Pat would like to especially thank Anstice Volunteer Debbie as she has been wonderful, very polite and nice. A big thank you to the Anstice volunteers.’ – Steve, T&W Council
