Councillor describes new feeling of ‘community’ as Coronavirus support group hits 2,000 fulfilled requests
If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that a problem is better fought together and as a group.
This was the exact thought of Parish Council Chairman Katia Malcaus Cooper, when she decided to set up the Lightwater Resilience Plan in February 2020 after lockdown hit the UK.
She divided Lightwater into 22 manageable zones and after a website was created, fliers were handed out and messages of the plan were put onto social media, she was armed with 100 volunteers within a week.
Within a month the group had fulfilled 200 requests for help and to date that number has been stretched to 2000.
Katia said: “We do anything from picking up prescriptions, to doing emergency and regular shops for those shielding, to fixing leaking taps, swapping lightbulbs and calling somebody for a general chat.
“Most importantly we introduced community into the village. Neighbours now know each other and look after each other as part of day-to-day life.”
As the government announced its roadmap out of lockdown, Katia and the Lightwater group also looked forward to what can be done after restrictions are eased.
A number of initiatives are currently being set up. These include a youth club, a befriending group and a communication group, which were all identified as areas that require support in the village.
Katia explained that she was “really glad” she was able to help people, adding “it is the reason I became a Councillor”.
If you want to contact the group for more information or support, you can visit their website here, connect via Facebook or call 07933 123256 between 10:00 and 12:00 from Monday to Saturday.
