A painted rainbow by young Barnet resident
Twelve weeks on from the start of lockdown, Barnet Council is launching a campaign today (15th June) to encourage everyone in the borough to take a moment to say ‘thank you’ to someone who has helped them through the Covid-19 crisis.
The campaign recognises Barnet’s community, faith and voluntary sector as well as local businesses and residents who have played a vital role in response to the crisis, adapting their services and giving their time to provide essential support to those who need it most.
It also recognises the many local frontline workers who have continued to provide core services, while others have been redeployed to provide essential support and relief to those most affected by the outbreak. From the announcement of lockdown on 23 March to 1 June:
- 4.4 million bins were collected
- 115 schools and early years settings remained open, and continued lessons for children of key workers and vulnerable children
- 6,893 food parcels and hygiene parcels were dispatched to the most vulnerable
Barnet Council Leader Cllr Dan Thomas said: “We all owe so much to so many. But I’m sure each of us has one person we’re particularly grateful to during the Covid-19 outbreak. I’d like to thank everyone who’s been a part of the extraordinary response and relief effort in which we’ve seen the very best of Barnet. Our amazing community spirit and resilience has meant we’ve looked out for our neighbours and ensured those left most in need have been supported. Together, we will get through this.”
If there’s someone you would like to thank, take a moment to recognise them by posting a video or message on Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #BarnetTogether.
The campaign is also featured in a special edition of Barnet First magazine, which will be distributed to households across the borough and includes a detachable ‘thank you’ poster for everyone to display in their windows.
The Community Help Hub is a network of local support to help communities remain resilient during the COVID-19 crisis. For urgent help that is non-medical related complete the webform.
The Barnet Community Response Fund was set up by Barnet Together, to help food banks, small charities and local organisations working with communities most at risk and affected by the crisis. The fund is open for donations and applications.