SKDC

South Kesteven residents are being invited to reflect, remember and pay tribute to those affected by the pandemic as part of the national Covid-19 Day of Reflection on Sunday 8th March.

Wooden remembrance trees will be unveiled in Bourne, Grantham, Stamford and The Deepings giving residents the opportunity to come together to remember the lives lost, acknowledge the sacrifices made and recognise the impact Covid-19 had on individuals, families and communities.

Residents will be invited to tie ribbons and personal messages on the trees.

Cllr Paul Stokes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “The pandemic affected every part of our community and for many people, the impact is still felt today.

“I am heartened that there will be an opportunity for residents to share their own personal messages. I hope people will take comfort in pausing to reflect, remember those we lost, and acknowledge the strength and compassion shown across the district during such an incredibly difficult time.”

The trees will be unveiled on 8th March and stay in place for residents to take part in their own way and at their own pace. They will be installed at:

• Bourne – Bourne Leisure Centre, Queen's Rd, Bourne PE10 9DX
• Stamford – Stamford Leisure Pool, Drift Rd, Stamford PE9 1UZ
• Market Deeping – The Deeping Practice, Godsey Ln, Peterborough PE6 8DD
• Grantham – Wyndham Park, 3 Hill Ave, Grantham NG31 9BA

The council is also highlighting the support provided to residents throughout the pandemic through its community hubs.

The SK Community Hub opened on 21 March 2020 and took its final direct request for help on 30 April 2021, handling 2,887 requests for support, the majority of which were received during 2020.

The council provided a single point of contact for residents who were shielding or struggling to access essentials, most commonly food shopping and prescription collections.

Working with 55 community groups and around 1,500 volunteers, the council helped coordinate support across the district. Recognising the pressure many groups were under, financial and practical support was provided to help services continue during periods of reduced donations and increased demand.

The council also co-ordinated access to foodbank vouchers and worked closely with foodbanks and community organisations across South Kesteven. Alongside practical support, staff provided advice, reassurance and signposting to external agencies.

To address the impact of isolation, befriending calls were issued to clinically vulnerable residents and those aged over 70. Some of these relationships continue today, with ongoing support now provided by local community organisations.

Cllr Stokes paid tribute to the volunteers and community groups whose efforts made this support possible.

He said: “The level of support provided during the pandemic would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of volunteers and community groups across the district.

“At a time of real uncertainty, people stepped forward to help their neighbours, often under difficult and emotional circumstances. Their compassion, resilience and willingness to work together made a lasting difference to residents who needed support most.”

The commitment of the volunteers and community groups during the pandemic has a legacy to this day, leading to the creation of the yearly SK Community Awards, recognising the vital role communities played during an unprecedented time.

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