The Ilkley Coronavirus Response Group hosted their weekly virtual meeting on Thursday 7th May 2020, bringing together district and local councilors, medical and social care representatives and organisations from the voluntary sector in the town. The group’s aim is to work cooperatively across the town in the face of the Coronavirus crisis.
Stuart Hyde QPM, who leads the group said “As has been said before we are probably at the end of the beginning rather than the beginning of the end. I would like to thank each and every one who has helped so far giving up their time and energy towards the greater good of our community.
I would also like to recognise that despite the challenge, people have kept their focus on the tasks needed to overcome the loss and devastation Covid-19 has created.
As we move to the next stage, we will be looking to ensure that however we organise our response that it is appropriate to the task.”
This week the team meeting heard about Ilkley Youth and Community Association has successful launched its #Ilkleytogether competition to showcase how lockdown has allowed people to come together. This has been brought together in an effort to shine a light on the mental health issues that many of us are facing during the lockdown.
It is free and easy to take part in the #Ilkleytogether competition. Entries will take the form of either a photo of a positive chalk message on driveways, backyards or on paper, or images or videos of families reading together. To submit your entry please either tag the Ilkley Youth and Community Association Facebook page (please also use the hashtag #Ilkleytogether) or email your entries to iycabookings@gmail.com.
To enable as many people as possible to take part, free reading books or chalks are able to be supplied to those wanting to be involved. Get your free book and/or chalk by either calling or messaging 07815706277 or emailing iycabookings@gmail.com.
The meeting also heard how the local Cornovirus helpline has received 242 voicemails to date, with residents looking for assistance with shopping, prescription collection and reassurance. With 449 local volunteers now enrolled to help out, the team is working through these requests at a fantastic rate.
Those needing help or concerned about neighbours, friends or family in the Ilkley area should call the main hub 01274 430 000. Its open 7 days a week 9am – 5pm. Thanks were once again given to the Group members for their efforts and support and for the army of volunteers.
With the local sewing team in Ilkley now at 130 volunteers, has created in excess of 330 sets of scrubs. A generous local donation of fabric significantly reduced costs. With 50 sets waiting to be delivered, they will be split between local and national need. A local Design Technology team led by Rachel Eyles has produced 80 visors this week. 20 of which will go to Mayfield, 20 to Troutbeck, with the remainder available for those in the community who need them.
VE Day on Friday was a fantastic show of national spirit, and the group added a splash of colour to proceedings with the donation of bunting. A generous 20 packs were sent to Ashlands, one pack to the school, while 15 packs were given to care homes and used to adorn the VE Day Bluebird float.
The Float toured the outside areas of the many Care and Residential Homes in the Town, with small treats and gifts for Residents and Staff - all while maintaining social distancing of course.
The pandemic has led to big changes in the Bradford/Keighley Hub, but thanks to a big team effort, many services are still going ahead. Council services and local communities have responded with the following:
● 12,000 vulnerable families received welfare calls in just 10 days
● 4,000 food parcels have been delivered over four weeks
● 2,000 volunteers have come together to help local vulnerable residents
● 180 school sites and 250 early years settings are open for vulnerable children and children of key workers
For more information visit www.ilkleyresponse.co.uk
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