The Ilkley Coronavirus Response Group hosted their weekly virtual meeting on Thursday 16 April 2020, bringing together our MP, district and local councillors, medical and social care representatives and organisations from the voluntary sector in the town. The group’s aim is to work co-operatively across the town in the face of the Coronavirus crisis.
Stuart Hyde QPM, who leads the team began the meeting by commenting “We have had a great deal of positive feedback on Ilkley’s community and partnership-based approach to dealing with the Coronavirus crisis.
We are delighted to have received cash donations to support the work of the Ilkley Coronavirus Response Group. With this in mind we are launching a new website, in conjunction with the Ilkley Round Table. This will not only give a central point of information during the Coronavirus crisis, but also offer a central JustGiving site to enable people to make donations.
Visit ilkleyresponse.co.uk to find out more or to donate.
I would like to thank everyone for the great spirit in which this cooperation is being held. Many have lost loved ones, or are aware of others who have lost friends or family. By working together we will help to stem the tide of this virus and help our community for the future”
The meeting then heard that people are still continuing to volunteer to help others, with practical help such as shopping and telephone befriending. The Sewing scrubs initiative has caught the imagination of the town, attracting coverage by BBC Newsnight, and local radio stations. Over 150 sets of scrubs have now been made and are being distributed to local GPs.
Local Voluntary groups are continuing to keep in touch with their members. For instance, Outside The Box, are keeping in regular contact with all their members and families, ensuring a fortnightly call to everyone.
The group also heard more about the Local Charities Directory and Index. Soon to be published this this a comprehensive local Resource Pack. In addition to this locally based social prescribers are compiling resource packs to send out to patients – people can ring their local surgery and ask for one or ask for some one-to-one support. Social prescribers can help with stress or anxiety, concerns about finances e.g. universal credit a, housing issues, etc.
A huge amount of work and endeavor had seen the town create a large number of scrubs for the NHS and we will expand this work as we are able. Thanks were given to Amanda Danells-Bewley for her efforts in orchestrating a team of local volunteers to undertake this work.
An update from Bradford Council explained that every household in the district will receive a letter shortly from the Council Leader and Chief Executive. The letter will encourage residents to produce a household plan helping to ensure everyone has access to the information they need to keep well, and to get support if they need it.
Our MP Robbie Moore gave a national update and a report including how he was looking at business support across the Constituency. He also talked about his concerns that ensure that Bradford, and Ilkley District charities get access to wider funds. He ended his report with congratulations to the Ilkley Team, for some great work.
The meeting heard how the needs and concerns of local residential and care homes were being met, including the support for PPE equipment and staff shortages. A comprehensive directory has been provided by of all homes in the locality and work will now continue to support this area of the Ilkley community.
Ilkley residents needing help, or those wanting to volunteer during the current Coronavirus crisis can contact 07375 803 693 or go online to: https://bit.ly/ilkleycorona