Page 6 - 35yrs anniversary newspaper_Flipbook 2020

Caring, Compassionate, Committed

Communities come together

As the country went into
lockdown our lives changed signi-
ficantly, and some of the changes
actually had a positive impact on
our lives. With more time at home,
daily walks in our local areas and
a weekly coming together to clap
for our key working heroes – com-
munities were connecting in ways
they hadn’t considered before.
One neighbourhood took
that newfound sense of com-
munity a step further, and raised
much-needed funds for St Cathe-
rine’s Hospice in the process.
Iain Mackie and his family
have lived in Fulwood for about
five years. Just after Christmas Iain
decided to set up a Facebook page
for residents, to build relationships
and give neighbours the opportu-
nity to help each other out, to lend
and swap items, and to ultimately
get to know each other better.
Iain explains: “We all do
it; we live on a street for years
and years, and we rarely know
our neighbours. We may send a
Christmas card and have a friendly
exchange about the weather, but
that’s where it normally stops.
“When I set up the Face-
book group, I didn’t want it to
become a page full of moans and
complaints about things like pot
holes in the road. The whole idea
was to connect us in a positive
way.
“When the reality of
lockdown hit, I knew that the page were simply amazed by the fun- Iain adds: “Working to a common
was going to be an essential way draising total! purpose brought us all together.
of keeping in touch with one ano- Our Community Engage- We had so much fun and it was a
ther. With social distancing in place ment Team is on hand to help really easy way to raise funds for
and restricted opening times of make your fundraising event or our local charity. I would really
shops, the page became a way we charity challenge a great success. recommend giving something like
could help each other too. They can offer advice; this a go.”
“The page was being used ly-distanced relay run, keeping the provide materials such as t-shirts,
by more people in the community children active and using our local sponsor forms and collection Get in touch today to do
every day. And when someone community space. boxes; raffle prizes such as books something fun and rewarding for
suggested raising money for St Ca- “We were overwhelmed by and jigsaws; they can help you set a worthwhile local cause – email
therine’s Hospice, that’s when the the response; it was such a popular up a JustGiving page or Facebook fundraising@stcatherines.co.uk,
community really rallied round. We event. The children were saying Fundraiser, and can also help to call 01772 629171, or visit
decided to do a sponsored, social- it was their ‘best day ever’ and we promote your event! www.stcatherines.co.uk
Back to the classroom

It may surprise you to learn that St and we have developed formal
Catherine’s is a specialist provider partnerships with the University of
of high quality training and educa- Central Lancashire and Runshaw
tion for other healthcare professio- College too.
nals, such as care homes and dis- We have been delivering
trict nurses, and we host a calendar our courses virtually using Mi-
of courses and conferences. crosoft Teams from our Learning
We also have a dedicated Zone in recent months, and have
advice line which healthcare received very positive feedback
providers can call 24/7, to tap into from individuals and healthcare
our specialist knowledge and skills, providers.