Salt of the Earth is a partnership between North Yorkshire County Council and the Darlington and Stockton Times to celebrate acts of kindness across our communities. Usually the focus is on a particular individual or group, but in these unprecedented times we are shining a spotlight on the many acts of kindness happening across our area during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused anxiety, loss and hardship for many residents, but it has also brought out the best in people who are looking after their neighbours and volunteering in droves to help those most in need during these testing times.

The leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Carl Les, said it was important to recognise the good being done within communities across the region in the face of incredibly difficult circumstances.

He said: “When we launched Salt of the Earth back in January we could not have foreseen what the impact of this global pandemic would be on our communities.

“Despite facing their own hardships and heartache, the people of North Yorkshire are once again proving how resilient and community-spirited they are.

“I’ve been moved by the countless examples of neighbours looking out for each other and the army of volunteers forming groups in their towns and villages to make sure nobody is left without essential supplies.

“If there’s one positive to come from this crisis, it’s that incredible response. Never before did it feel more important to pay tribute to the people of North Yorkshire.”

Among those going out of their way to help others is the dedicated team at Thirsk-based Community Works.

The charity’s staff and volunteers are helping scores of vulnerable people across the Hambleton area with meals on wheels deliveries, shopping tasks and calling people who may be feeling particularly isolated during lockdown.

In just one week they helped 242 individuals and volunteer Jane Gilchrist of Sowerby Gateway says she hopes that people’s willingness to help those in need will endure after the pandemic subsides.

She said: “I think and I hope that it will have a long-term effect.

“We have a very strong network here, people are helping each other in all sorts of ways and I think, generally speaking, it has made people more aware of the opportunities there might be to help others in the community.”

In the earliest days of the pandemic back in March, Richmond resident Fergus Brown was quick to set up a Covid-19 Mutual Aid facebook support group for the local area which now has just over 1,800 volunteers on its books.

Residents are encouraged to interact via the group’s facebook page where requests to pick up shopping or prescriptions are matched with available volunteers.

Mr Brown said hundreds of people have been helped so far.

And among the usual daily tasks of helping with shopping or prescription collections, there have also been some more unusual requests.

These have included one lady asking whether pictures of Richmond town centre could be taken and posted online so that her elderly mum could see the town and shops she is missing so much whilst being in lockdown.

Mr Brown said: “There is no question that this crisis has brought the best out of the people around us at this time and there is no question it has shown us who is there for us.

“Our smaller shopkeepers, our independent businesses, our local schools and church groups and our neighbours – these are the people who are helping each other out.”

Mr Brown added that the nature of North Yorkshire meant that people were finding it easy to connect with and support their neighbours – something which he says is different in big cities.

He said: “There are places I have lived, like London, where you would not know your neighbour if they passed you on the street, but it is different up here.”

In Bedale, Brian Cook is co-ordinating the local Covid-19 Mutual Aid support group facebook page and says a third of the town has signed up to help.

He described the community response as ‘excellent’, adding: “Looking ahead to the end of this (pandemic) I very much hope that the facebook group can continue, changing its name obviously, but trying to keep the good work carrying on.”

The chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, Richard Flinton, praised all the good deeds being done on a daily basis across the region.

He said: “Many of us will be looking out for our friends and neighbours already or, for those who are most vulnerable, relying on local voluntary groups and other support networks to help get things like food and medical supplies.

“This unprecedented and continuing crisis is bringing out the very best in so many people and it is absolutely right we recognise the very positive impact these acts of kindness are having on some of our most isolated people.

“I would like to personally thank every one of the thousands of people out there right now doing what we do best here – supporting each other.

“I continue to be inspired by the wonderful kindness and generosity of local individuals, businesses and partners. Team North Yorkshire at its best while facing the toughest of challenges.”

  • People in need of help with shopping and other essentials who don’t have the support of family, friends or neighbours or anyone concerned about the welfare of someone else should call North Yorkshire County Council’s customer service centre on 01609 780780. The centre is open seven days a week 8am-5:30pm. For more information go to www.northyorks.gov.uk/coronavirus
  • As well as looking out for neighbours and family, county residents are reminded of the importance of staying at home except for essential journeys and maintaining a safe distance of at least two metres if out, as well as washing hands regularly to help to keep the disease at bay.
  • Do you know someone who is going the extra mile in their community? Get involved and nominate them to feature in the Salt of The Earth movement by email at saltoftheearth@northyorks.gov.uk