The Covid-19 Support Kenilworth Group - One Year On

Last year various groups were set up across the country to help people and Kenilworth was no different with the founding of the Covid-19 Kenilworth Support Group (CKSG)
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

March marks a year since the first lockdown in the UK due to the pandemic.

Last year various groups were set up across the country to help people and Kenilworth was no different with the founding of the Covid-19 Kenilworth Support Group (CKSG).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The group offers a range of services for the members of the community in need and says it will continue to be there for people in need.

The group offers a range of services for the members of the community in need and says it will continue to be there for people in need. Photo by Covid-19 Support Kenilworth Group (CSKG)The group offers a range of services for the members of the community in need and says it will continue to be there for people in need. Photo by Covid-19 Support Kenilworth Group (CSKG)
The group offers a range of services for the members of the community in need and says it will continue to be there for people in need. Photo by Covid-19 Support Kenilworth Group (CSKG)

A spokesperson for CSKG said “On March 17 we mark the Anniversary of the first town meeting held to prepare for the looming Lockdown.

"We remember with sorrow those in our Community who lost their lives both from and during the pandemic.

"The bereaved were deprived the opportunities for hospital visits and sharing their grief with their full circle of family and friends.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The number of local and national fatalities continues to shock. Each number is a person: someone we loved and someone who loved us.

“This is also a time to celebrate the selfless heroism and dedication to duty of the NHS and all front-line workers over the past year.

"We also thank the good people of Kenilworth for their wonderful and amazing response to the demands of the emergency situation.

“Many people and groups helped get the work started including Jen Jones, Simon Morris, Darren Rees, Alistair Rigby, Kenilworth Round Table, Lions Club, Rotary Club and the Kenilworth Centre which became our operations hub.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"A tentative assessment was made of what needed to be done to support our community.

"We Identified the need for a large team of volunteers, with diverse talents and funds to support their activities.

"You - the good people of Kenilworth responded magnificently; with generous offers of practical help and financial assistance.

"Quickly we enlisted some 330 plus volunteers, processed them through DBS checks and since then they have been supporting the vulnerable and those sheltering."

Thanks the volunteers and the Kenilworth community;

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

~ 35,000 information phone calls to and from the call centre, which operates every day, have been made;

~ 4,500 “welfare” conversations have been made by the listening team and Street Champions;

~ 7,000 prescriptions have been delivered by the “Pharmy Army”;

~ 5,000 meals have been cooked in local commercial kitchens by qualified chefs and delivered to homes by volunteers – thanks to Mollie’s Meals in conjunction with some of the local pubs;

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

~ 150 Christmas hampers with cards written by local school children were delivered;

~ 300 activity / get active packs were given to residents;

~ Some £18,000 plus has been donated and raised to fund these activities;

~ Numerous acts of kindness and practical help by Kenilworth People.

The Next Phase for the Covid-19 Support Kenilworth Group

The team at CSKG are now planning their next steps going forward.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesperson said: "Over the course of the past year the landscape has changed.

"Many have adjusted to the lock-down situation and developed a life-style and resilience to cope.

"However, there are some 600 plus elderly and vulnerable people who continue to shelter.

"Many suffering from loneliness, loss of confidence and poor emotional well-being. They have been housebound for a year, have lost mobility and confidence.

"Without help their condition will only deteriorate.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"CSKG are working behind the scenes with local health and welfare services and community organisations to develop strategic partnerships in order to prepare for when restrictions are lifted - to provide specialist support to help people to regain some of their independence and to provide them with social activities/opportunities where they can reconnect."

To help continue to help the community, CSKG will also soon be launching 'Compassionate Kenilworth'.

The project will be in partnership with GP practices, local charities, organisations, churches and local businesses. The project model based on the “Frome Project” which CSKG has led to dramatic improvements in the health, welfare and well-being of residents.

For more information about the project go to: https://www.compassionate-communitiesuk.co.uk/projectsIf anyone would like to be involved email: [email protected] or phone 01926 919340.