Our latest briefing | Age UK Cornwall 07.05.20
Published on 07 May 2020 12:02 PM
Foreword by Tracey Roose, Chief Executive, Age UK Cornwall.
Firstly, we hope you and your families are well.
In addition to our good news round-up and summary of activities, I just want you to pause and think about your own well-being for a moment. Ever since the UK was placed lockdown over 5 weeks ago now, we have learned to acclimatise to spending an increased amount of time at home and indoors.
Disruptions to everyday life have been far-reaching and some of those disruptions are likely to last for a while. Many of us have had to become accustomed to working from home, others have been furloughed and those in an office environment, are sometimes working alone or in much smaller teams. The way in which our lives have transformed in such a short space of time has heavily impacted our daily routines, nothing is like it was, and as a consequence, this might be taking a toll on your mental well-being, your physical health, your sleep quality and your energy levels.
It is fine to take some time for yourself, it really helps, and try and stick with a routine as far as possible. We are all in this for the long haul so make sure you take leave and spend some time outside in the warmer weather. Everyone has moments and days where they struggle with the uncertainty of this time, the most important thing is that we are here for each other so whatever else we do, let’s keep talking.
- 10 ways you can help improve your mental health and wellbeing if you are worried or anxious about the coronavirus outbreak
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips/
Monthly activities for Age UK Cornwall
You might be interested to see what you have achieved over the last month, it is remarkable.
- Carried out 569 hospital transport journeys to Royal Cornwall Hospital, 96 to Derriford Hospital with a further 144 journeys to other medical sites
- Our teams and electric vehicles managed over 650 shopping and medication drops with the amazing volunteers at Lanivet undertaking an additional 471 shopping trips
- Our Community Helpline took over 1,700 calls; the majority were Covid-19 related, with a further 167 people supported with welfare benefit advice
- Our community coaches and office teams made 882 welfare calls to individuals; many needing additional support
- Falmouth day centre delivered 435 meals and are supporting nearly 100 people with regular visits, calls and help
- Newquay day centre have made 151 welfare calls and delivered 90 Morrisons essential shopping bags
- St Austell team have delivered 242 meals and over 60 shopping/medication trips, making 460 individual calls
- Our gardeners have supported 120 clients
- The Cornwall Link had 20,545 page views and currently has 223 listings with 303 community members
What an amazing team we are. Thank you for being part of it.
Fundraising
As you know, we are trying to generate as much fundraising as possible to help pay for the PPE we need. Thanks to everyone that took part, donated or supported the #twopointsixchallenge last week. To date, you have raised an incredible £1,200 – your donations will make a huge difference and provide us with the vital PPE to deliver our services.
We have been amazed by your creativity and have seen fundraising challenges range from magical gingerbread bakes to intensive workouts. If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet or would like to find out more about the challenges, please click on the links below:
Donna was challenged to make 26 fabric face masks.
Kerry’s daughter is completing 26 Star Jumps a day for 6 days and 26 minutes on her bike for 2 days this week.
A 26 minute daily abdominal workout to raise money for PPE.
The Jordan family we will undertake a different activity each day for 26 days.
Jayne and her family set themselves a challenge to make 26 gingerbread people; which could be shared with some of our friends and family.
Our Week in pictures
Yet again we have been inundated with beautiful and heart-warming pictures and stories. From crafts to wacky hair – your wonderful pictures provide us with an opportunity to pause, take a break and smile.
Please do keep your pictures coming in to lee@ageukcornwall.org.uk. Here is the latest collages and you can find them and all our stories on the Cornwall Link here…
https://cornwall-link.co.uk/community-stories
Rebecca’s Story – Adapting to a New Life
Rebecca Kevern, Gardening Service Lead for Age UK Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, tells us how her role and service has changed since COVID-19 and how she’s helping people within the community - read her full story by clicking on the link below:
https://cornwall-link.co.uk/adapting-to-a-new-life---rebeccas-story
Please help us by sharing your story – people we support have never needed us more and it is extremely important that we share your experiences, good and bad, to help shape our future. Please send your quotes, stories and experiences to lee@ageukcornwall.org.uk – or alternatively you can contact Lee directly if you have any questions.
Stay safe and spread a little love around Cornwall.