Tributes paid to North Berwick's resilience volunteers

In mid-March, the community council launched its action plan, which was operated by a sub-group led by member Sue Northrop, and also comprising chairman Judy Lockhart and secretary Kathryn Smith.

It then put out an appeal for volunteers for its resilience team and received hundreds of responses.

A Facebook page was set up that kept both volunteers and residents informed, alongside a website with important information. 

Over the next four months, volunteers assisted in tasks such as picking up prescriptions, delivering shopping, dog walking, cooking meals and buying food. 

The resilience group also bought and delivered hundreds of copies of the Courier to residents. 

A Street Links scheme was set up that linked neighbours together and let them know their single point of contact should it be needed; a fundraising page was also started which attracted thousands of pounds in donations. 

Several schemes were also run such as a group of stitchers making masks, a games and jigsaw exchange, and computer tablets being given to vulnerable groups. 

Judy said: “On behalf of North Berwick Community Council, I would like to thank everyone who has helped over the past four months volunteering and supporting North Berwick Resilience Group.

“We would particularly like to thank the Community Emergency Response Team. The team have each given hundreds of hours of their own spare time to help people in North Berwick, particularly during lockdown but continuously whilst shielders have remained indoors.

“Our emergency plan was set up to deal primarily with floods or snowstorms. It tended to involve bringing people together and really prepared us for the exact opposite of a viral pandemic. As a community of volunteers, we had to learn a lot quickly; NBCC are incredibly proud of what was achieved and in awe of everyone who helped. On a personal note, the number of people we have helped and all the different ways we went about this is something I will never forget being part of.”

She added: “We will no longer be buying food and delivering shopping, prescriptions or providing our weekly update in the Courier and delivering hundreds of these throughout the town. However, some of our work will continue, for example the stitchers will continue making masks and we hope to widen our technology project which saw computer tablets being given to vulnerable groups.

“We believe that the work we have begun through the pandemic has helped form a more inclusive North Berwick and we will work to maintain and strengthen that. Thank you for being such an amazing community and we hope in the not too distant future we can all come together again.”

People who have concerns about shielding, health and social care or property maintenance are asked to call East Lothian Council on 01620 827827. Those with adult or children wellbeing and social care concerns are asked to call 01875 8243093. Emergency social work concerns out of hours can phone 0800 731696.

For those with Covid-19 concerns, phone 111; those looking for help with mental health should call 111 but press option two. People who need help urgently or in an emergency should call 999.

For all other help and support, call North Berwick Community Centre on 01620 893056 or email nbccinfo@eastlothian.gov.uk