Sponsored Editorial: Produced in association with Medway Council

Residents and community leaders appear in a short film showing some of the inspiring ways people helped one another and brought a little joy to life under lockdown in 2020.

From rainbows of hope popping up in Medway’s windows to a huge co-ordinated effort by local organisations and groups to distribute 76,377 meals to vulnerable residents, this is a year few of us will forget.

One of the organisations to feature in the film is Age UK Medway.

Susan Parker, Volunteer Coordinator with the charity, saw demand for daily meal deliveries increase from around 20 a day to 160. Luckily Susan had an influx of people wanting to help and thinks that this year has shown community spirit to be alive and well in Medway.

"We had everyone from electricians to fire safety companies and probation workers offering to help us deliver meals," said Susan.

"I think people were at home feeling a bit lost themselves and wanted to do anything they could to help. We even have one volunteer do prescriptions runs and shopping runs on his bike, and he’s 73!"

Director of Public Health, James Williams, provides the voice over for the film and is at the forefront of Medway’s response to the pandemic.

He knows how important it is to stay fit and healthy, particularly when carrying extra weight reduces our strength to fight off serious diseases, including Covid-19.

“This time last year no one could have predicted what was to come," said James.

"I think people have been surprised by the changes they have been able to make – from going for long walks, taking up exercise or quitting smoking. Yes, we have a vaccine, but the pandemic won’t go away overnight, so we need to keep up the good work and continue to make healthy choices."

It is estimated that one million people have quit smoking during lockdown, motivated by concern about their health.

Alan, a 50 year-old car transporter driver from Twydall, gave up smoking with the help of the council’s public health team - A Better Medway – who personally delivered his nicotine replacement therapy during lockdown. His advisor was called Jill.

"Jill has been absolutely amazing," said Alan.

"When I was running short on my stop smoking-medication she made sure she got it to me. Absolute diamond."

Volunteers at the Kent Ramgathia Darbar, the Sikh temple in Gillingham, worked in shifts four days a week to deliver a total of 5,494 meals to Medway Maritime Hospital for busy staff working long shifts and unable to get a proper meal.

Kulwant Jhita, who also appears in the film, said modestly, "I don’t think we did anything special, the opportunity arose and we took it."

Reflecting on the community effort that has gone into supporting vulnerable residents and key workers during lockdown, James Williams added, "I believe, given the determination our community has shown this year, that we are ready to refocus on looking after our health.

"But Medway residents do not have to do it alone. Our services are running online or over the phone and are completely free. The A Better Medway team are ready to offer guidance and support to any resident who wants to eat better, be more active or quit smoking.”

To find out how A Better Medway can help you lead a healthier lifestyle, visit abettermedway.co.uk