Good Neighbours

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• Share MoreLife Covid response on Facebook Share MoreLife Covid response on Twitter Share MoreLife Covid response on Linkedin Email MoreLife Covid response link

  MoreLife Covid response

  by Everyone Health , over 5 years ago

  MoreLife is a Weight Management Service which offers support in Southend, Castlepoint & Rochford, Basildon & Brentwood and Thurrock, offering client- centred behavioural and psychological interventions as well as dietary and group-based support. Our team is made up of psychologists, dietitians, nutritionists, and physical activity experts. Our programme offers 12 weekly sessions, followed by monthly maintenance sessions led by an experienced weight management practitioner, in total you will receive 12 months support.

  In response to COVID-19 and social distancing measures, we have increased our digital offer to ensure residents in South Essex can still access the services including:

  • Online Group... Continue reading

  MoreLife is a Weight Management Service which offers support in Southend, Castlepoint & Rochford, Basildon & Brentwood and Thurrock, offering client- centred behavioural and psychological interventions as well as dietary and group-based support. Our team is made up of psychologists, dietitians, nutritionists, and physical activity experts. Our programme offers 12 weekly sessions, followed by monthly maintenance sessions led by an experienced weight management practitioner, in total you will receive 12 months support.

  In response to COVID-19 and social distancing measures, we have increased our digital offer to ensure residents in South Essex can still access the services including:

  • Online Group Sessions via Zoom
  • Telephone Support Services
  • Online, self-directing learning courses

  Our clients are continuing to have good outcomes both in terms of weight and mental health. Clients accessing our digital support programmes have shown a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms, especially where clients are feeling isolated due to shielding or social distancing. Referrals are accepted from GPs/Healthcare Professionals or you can call us directly and make a self-referral. If you are interested to find out more about our service, please visit our website www.more-life.co.uk or call 08000389050
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  Positive outcomes from Lockdown for Supported Housing

  by SECE Mind, over 5 years ago

  At South East and Central Essex Mind, our supported housing facility provides a specialised accommodation to give a person a safe and stable environment for recovery after a mental health crisis. Once here, our team of expert staff help to build confidence, improve mental wellbeing and develop life skills for independent living.

  During the last few months, we have adapted the ways in which we provide support to our community housing tenants throughout lockdown.

  Initially, this involved switching from face-to-face to telephone support, regularly calling all of our tenants to monitor their welfare. Some tenants commented that they enjoyed the... Continue reading

  At South East and Central Essex Mind, our supported housing facility provides a specialised accommodation to give a person a safe and stable environment for recovery after a mental health crisis. Once here, our team of expert staff help to build confidence, improve mental wellbeing and develop life skills for independent living.

  During the last few months, we have adapted the ways in which we provide support to our community housing tenants throughout lockdown.

  Initially, this involved switching from face-to-face to telephone support, regularly calling all of our tenants to monitor their welfare. Some tenants commented that they enjoyed the calls and have asked to continue them alongside the resumption of face-to-face contact. We also began to send bi-weekly emails with mental health resources and ideas of activities to fill the tenants’ days. We received lots of positive feedback about this from the tenants, as well as some of their own suggestions about what had helped them, which we then circulated.

  The relationships between tenants and support staff and amongst the tenants themselves have been strengthened by changes to communication in response to Covid-19. Spending more time outside prompted a renewed focus from staff on tidying up our outside areas. Tenants volunteered to help, getting involved with grass-cutting and weeding. In our communal houses, tenants have been spending time together in their gardens, which they didn’t do before lockdown. One house even had a bonfire and toasted marshmallows!

  Once we were able to meet in socially distanced groups, we began holding communal sessions in the courtyard at Nelsons Gate, one of our supported housing facilities. This has continued daily and has encouraged many more tenants than usual to sit and socialise, strengthening the friendships between tenants and the support relationships with staff. Tenants have also been making the most of the lighter evenings, spending more time sitting outside with night staff. This has enabled them to receive more routine support, as previously tenants would generally only engage with the night staff in an emergency situation.

  We have also introduced support sessions for the tenants in the form of walks around the local area, which has had a really positive impact. It has encouraged tenants to take regular walks for their physical health and mental wellbeing, as well as introducing them to some local green spaces. These support sessions will continue for those who have enjoyed them.

  Despite the difficulties and pressures of Lockdown and the pandemic, the restrictions have encouraged changes that may not have happened otherwise, and we plan to hold onto and continue these positives into the future.

  South East and Central Essex Mind is a local independent mental health charity offering mental health services and training across Castle Point, Chelmsford, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea and South Woodam Ferrers. Although affiliated with National Mind, a leading UK mental health charity, we do not receive any funds from them or the government, and are responsible for fundraising for our own local services. Find out more about us at seandcessexmind.org.uk or search South East and Central Essex Mind on social media.
• Share Shoebury HUB151 behind the yellow doors...... on Facebook Share Shoebury HUB151 behind the yellow doors...... on Twitter Share Shoebury HUB151 behind the yellow doors...... on Linkedin Email Shoebury HUB151 behind the yellow doors...... link

  Shoebury HUB151 behind the yellow doors......

  by chrisg, over 5 years ago
  

  Shoebury Hub 151…….. is tucked away in West Road next to the ice cream factory, a useful place to be in the hot Summer. It is run in an old Evangelical Church building which is quite beautiful in it’s design. I always think we are like The Windmill Theatre which boasts of never closing - exactly the philosophy that we adopted when the Covid 19 pandemic forced the country into lockdown and the NHS was in trouble, particularly with the shortage of PPE.

  The hub is always busy with different groups attending every day, one of these groups being The... Continue reading

  Shoebury Hub 151…….. is tucked away in West Road next to the ice cream factory, a useful place to be in the hot Summer. It is run in an old Evangelical Church building which is quite beautiful in it’s design. I always think we are like The Windmill Theatre which boasts of never closing - exactly the philosophy that we adopted when the Covid 19 pandemic forced the country into lockdown and the NHS was in trouble, particularly with the shortage of PPE.

  The hub is always busy with different groups attending every day, one of these groups being The Red Hot Stitchers who make beautiful bags alongside teaching members of the community to sew. The bags are partly an attempt to encourage our community to ditch plastic and partly a project to serve groups like the women’s hostel, food banks and much more. Carolyn Warner, who runs the group, immediately set up a site called ‘Sew 4 Community’ when the news broke of the shortage of Scrubs and uniforms due to lack of stock. The site encouraged volunteers to make scrubs, gowns, hats and wash bags for nurses, doctors and carers. We placed a large box outside the hub and making pleas for donations of material on social media and by word of mouth and the community, as usual, came up trumps and the material started coming; the power of the internet is amazing! The box was overflowing every day with fabric of beautiful designs and colours which when turned into scrubs would brighten up the day of patients and doctors and nurses alike.

  And the volunteers came from all walks of life and abilities, strangers united in a common cause, they started to flow in from all over the area setting up in satellite hubs as far as Hullbridge, Leigh, Castle Point and Wickford, where a hub was set up in The Quart Pot pub, Rochford, Canvey, Hockley, Wakering, Shoebury and many more.

  The machinists never stopped, HUB 151 and The Quart Pot Pub became the centre for collection and delivery. Every day material would be delivered to satellite hubs or the individual sewers if they were unable to collect it, then picked up when they had been completed, this continued despite lockdown. No matter the ability of volunteers there was something for everyone to contribute, from scrubs and specialist gowns, to wash bags and hats, every stitch counted. The huge cutting table in HUB151 workshop was full of material every day being cut to size and folded neatly into packs to be sent out. Behind the yellow doors of the hub, this went on seven days a week, from early in the morning until late in the evening, volunteers were working tirelessly every day and Carolyn made sure the process ran like clockwork!

  The scrubs were sent all over the country as well as Essex, no plea for scrubs was turned down….they went to London, to Luton, to The Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. Pick ups and deliveries to the further destinations were transported by a team of volunteer motor bikers who for longer journeys would ride in relay, volunteers would deliver more locally to care homes, surgeries and hospitals, never complaining but always with a smile on their faces.

  Requests for scrubs are still coming in today and the requests being fulfilled, no one has been turned away.

  For me HUB151, although not yet able to open for our wonderful groups and projects, has done what it does best, serve the community.

  With the latest Government ruling on face coverings, we have turned to making washable masks, and holding pop up giveaway sessions to ensure that our residents are equipped to venture out when the time is right. This is still ongoing and supporting local groups such as ‘Folks Like Us’, Little Heroes, Sheltered Housing and a number of SEND schools. We still need more volunteers to sew for this particular project as demand far outweighs supply.

  As a lasting memory of this wonderful project every sewer was asked to make a 4x4 square relevant to the project and these have now been made into the most exquisite quilt, punctuated by the words and phrases made by people involved.

  
  

  Whilst all this was going on, The Little Free Library Project, which runs from the hub, placing the libraries all over the Southend area, in front gardens, nurseries, outside shops and children’s centres, has kept the community supplied with books whilst the libraries are closed. They have never been so busy with people going from one to the other taking and leaving books, it is amazing!!!

  We have also taken the opportunity to overhaul the very overgrown garden and are currently turning part of it into a vegetable garden to allow residents to work outside and watch the wonder of vegetables and flowers growing.

  There are many other stories I can tell, both happy and distressing, but that would take forever. Needless to say, I have been both humbled and proud to have been involved behind those bright yellow doors of the hub doing what it does best, serving the community.

  
  
• Share Celebrating a good neighbour, Rachel Mason on Facebook Share Celebrating a good neighbour, Rachel Mason on Twitter Share Celebrating a good neighbour, Rachel Mason on Linkedin Email Celebrating a good neighbour, Rachel Mason link

  Celebrating a good neighbour, Rachel Mason

  by Everyone Health , almost 6 years ago
  

  Everyone Health would like to celebrate Rachel Mason as Good Neighbour of the week.

  She has done many good deeds over the last few months to exemplify what a good neighbour is. When we heard about her story we knew we had to share this with the community.

  When covid-19 struck she decided to do something to lift the spirts, of not only her street, Victoria road Leigh on sea but people walking by doing their daily exercise. Rachel wanted to bring the neighbourhood together, acknowledge the excellent work of the NHS during this difficult time and also celebrate VR... Continue reading

  Everyone Health would like to celebrate Rachel Mason as Good Neighbour of the week.

  She has done many good deeds over the last few months to exemplify what a good neighbour is. When we heard about her story we knew we had to share this with the community.

  When covid-19 struck she decided to do something to lift the spirts, of not only her street, Victoria road Leigh on sea but people walking by doing their daily exercise. Rachel wanted to bring the neighbourhood together, acknowledge the excellent work of the NHS during this difficult time and also celebrate VR Day so she posted handwritten notes through all her neighbours doors asking if they wanted to decorate the street by hanging bunting.

  “I had seen a few streets do it, and thought it looked lovely and really cheerful during a difficult time. I have only lived on my street for 18 months, and didn’t know any of my neighbours so thought I would try to get something positive out of covid-19 - some community spirt!” Rachel says.

  
  

  Rachel was inundated that day with excited neighbours and the Whatsapp group was created with every house getting involved . Butning was hung in time for VR day and on this day everyone in the street took some chairs onto their drives and enjoyed a socially distanced drink to mark this special occasion. (see picture above)

  The Whatsapp group also became a place where anyone shielding / self isolating could ask for help if needed.

  A few weeks later there was a house fire down the same street. Fortunately the Whats app group Rachel created came in handy as this allowed all the neighbours to communicate and come together to help with evacuation and assist in any way they could.

  “The whatsapp group allowed people to communicate really easily what the family in the house needed. They had a 2 year old and as I do too it was really easy for me to gather the bits they needed for her. The whole street was amazing, with some even helping the firemen put the fire out! someone found them an empty flat to stay in and others gathered mattresses, bedding and towels for them tp use.” Rachel says.

  When asked about her motivation to be a good neighbour, Rachel commented:

  “It has been a very difficult and strange time, but people have come together and have really supported each other. The street is now a lot closer, and it’s lovely getting to know neighbours, I think the whole street agrees we have become friends because of bunting!

  Rachel Mason, Good neighbour

  Rachel is also a local business owner based in Leigh #supportlocalbusiness. Her business is called Our Remedy CBD - an ethical CBD brand created by women for period problems. Her goal is ‘to help you with the effects associated with your period, in our own natural way. From plastic free CBD re-fills to charity donations, we want to do our bit and know you do too.’

  Clearly being a good neighbour has far more benefits than can be anticipated. On behalf of Everyone Health and the people of Leigh-on-sea we would like to thank Rachel Mason for all her kind and hard work. Your truly are a good neighbour.

  
  

  
  
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  Our giving street

  almost 6 years ago

  who knew 13 weeks + down the line our street would still be communicating wiv each other with as much enthusiasm as we did after week one

  It started with people introducing themselves in a fairly friendly superficial way when people are jus getting started in a given situation but as the weeks and months have passed I feel we have become a strong group of people whose talents abilities interests willingness to help anyone and sharing are way above and beyond anything I would have hoped to have come out of this dreadful time for young, old, shielded, nervous... Continue reading

  who knew 13 weeks + down the line our street would still be communicating wiv each other with as much enthusiasm as we did after week one

  It started with people introducing themselves in a fairly friendly superficial way when people are jus getting started in a given situation but as the weeks and months have passed I feel we have become a strong group of people whose talents abilities interests willingness to help anyone and sharing are way above and beyond anything I would have hoped to have come out of this dreadful time for young, old, shielded, nervous and even shy neighbours.

  I do hope these months will not be lost in oblivion and will be the mainstay of established friendships down "our street" going forward with the rest of 2020 to come.

  1 comment
• Share Will Not End with Lockdown on Facebook Share Will Not End with Lockdown on Twitter Share Will Not End with Lockdown on Linkedin Email Will Not End with Lockdown link

  Will Not End with Lockdown

  by InvernessC192020, almost 6 years ago

  My street in Westcliff started a Whatsapp Group at the start of Lockdown but I would be very surprised if it ends when Lockdown does.

  The group has brought the street together in the most wonderful way. Everyone is sharing their personal struggles and triumphs, as well as tea and cakes. If someone needs something, someone will have one going spare.

  The group made Lockdown not just bearable but enriching.

  VE celebrations.

  Runaway pets.

  Losing loved ones.

  Health crises.

  Spare DVDs, books, garden pots, veggies, milk alternatives, and exercise equipment have all been shared.

  In the midst of so much... Continue reading

  My street in Westcliff started a Whatsapp Group at the start of Lockdown but I would be very surprised if it ends when Lockdown does.

  The group has brought the street together in the most wonderful way. Everyone is sharing their personal struggles and triumphs, as well as tea and cakes. If someone needs something, someone will have one going spare.

  The group made Lockdown not just bearable but enriching.

  VE celebrations.

  Runaway pets.

  Losing loved ones.

  Health crises.

  Spare DVDs, books, garden pots, veggies, milk alternatives, and exercise equipment have all been shared.

  In the midst of so much loss, I feel that we have all found something we will not lose again.

  
  

  1 comment
• Share Keeping Active in Lockdown on Facebook Share Keeping Active in Lockdown on Twitter Share Keeping Active in Lockdown on Linkedin Email Keeping Active in Lockdown link

  Keeping Active in Lockdown

  by Lisa Active Life, almost 6 years ago
  

  When we found out that the Country was entering lockdown, and our community activity sessions would be suspended we knew that we had to adjust our working model to ensure we could still reach our communities and keep people active and less isolated.

  We were able to set up a YouTube page, Active Life for a Healthier You, and our amazing instructors commited to providing free activity sessions every week for everyone to access.

  We had several programmes where we supported particular groups and were able to offer phone calls, bespoke videos and online sessions to ensure that they had... Continue reading

  When we found out that the Country was entering lockdown, and our community activity sessions would be suspended we knew that we had to adjust our working model to ensure we could still reach our communities and keep people active and less isolated.

  We were able to set up a YouTube page, Active Life for a Healthier You, and our amazing instructors commited to providing free activity sessions every week for everyone to access.

  We had several programmes where we supported particular groups and were able to offer phone calls, bespoke videos and online sessions to ensure that they had access to the specialist programmes we offer. This included dementia sessions, carers, Trim & Train and volunteer support.

  It was, and is, vital at this time to keep communicating with as many people as possible, with this in mind we developed the She's Ready, Lets Chat podcast. Offering information and insight into Active Life, its's tutors and programmes, we have launched across various podcast players to ensure the widest possible reach.

  When the lockdown eased to allow pods of upto 6 people to meet outside, socially distanced, we have been offering (in addition to the above still being delivered) silent disco sessions in Chalkwell Park. Using specialist headphones and transmitters we are able to lead sessions without disturbing other people enjoying the open space. These sessions have been hugely successful with people feedback with quotes like the following:

  just to say thank you so much for organising the classes, so lovely to see you all again - Susie

  Thank you to all you lovely ladies for all the effort you put into the classes. I love seeing each of you on different days and different times that suite my day. Keep up the good work of keeping us healthy xx - lila
  
  I am enjoying the sessions and can find several to do most days thank you for posting these sessions enjoy Michelle and Lindsey and trying to keep in step with Jenny’s zumba - Jayne

  Just done my first Silent session . wow it was amazing, so much fun! Thank you for organising - Sheila

  Yoga on the beach - what a great start to me day. Thank you Tina

  Thank you to all the team for keeping me going. It has been so tough being at home, but I love seeing your updates. Can't wait to see you all again-Anne

  Active Life is commited to offering physical activity sessions to the wider community, and we have adpated our delivery in this new way to ensure that everyone can still keep active with us. We hope to return to 'normal' as soon as it is safe to do so, but until then we will continue to offer as much as we can.

  We are so proud of our instructors and coordinators who have donated much of their time for free, at at a time when income has all but vanished, as a not for profit community interest company, we have mobilised quickly and efficiently with little financial support.

  For further information please head to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ActiveLifeforahealthieryou/ or our Instagram page ActiveLifeEssex

  
  

  
  
• Share Celebrating V.E. day during lockdown (Hadleigh road) on Facebook Share Celebrating V.E. day during lockdown (Hadleigh road) on Twitter Share Celebrating V.E. day during lockdown (Hadleigh road) on Linkedin Email Celebrating V.E. day during lockdown (Hadleigh road) link

  Celebrating V.E. day during lockdown (Hadleigh road)

  by Everyone Health , almost 6 years ago

  
  

  Thank you to Matt from Trust Links for the video submission of V.E day celebrations down his street.

  Looks like everyone had a great time.

  
  

  Thank you to Matt from Trust Links for the video submission of V.E day celebrations down his street.

  Looks like everyone had a great time.
• Share I've always dreamt of living in a place where neighbours know, help and support each other... on Facebook Share I've always dreamt of living in a place where neighbours know, help and support each other... on Twitter Share I've always dreamt of living in a place where neighbours know, help and support each other... on Linkedin Email I've always dreamt of living in a place where neighbours know, help and support each other... link

  I've always dreamt of living in a place where neighbours know, help and support each other...

  by Tilly, almost 6 years ago

  When it was clear that we would be entering a period of lockdown in March, I dropped a note through the doors of 90 households in my section of road, suggesting to get together in a WhatsApp group. The idea was that we would be able to support each another during this time.

  Not everyone responded, but we have a 40 people strong group now. Conversations go from friendly banter to shopping help (including a toilet paper bulk buying offer in the early days of lockdown!) to offer of toys and furniture going spare. Someone even arranged an Easter egg... Continue reading

  When it was clear that we would be entering a period of lockdown in March, I dropped a note through the doors of 90 households in my section of road, suggesting to get together in a WhatsApp group. The idea was that we would be able to support each another during this time.

  Not everyone responded, but we have a 40 people strong group now. Conversations go from friendly banter to shopping help (including a toilet paper bulk buying offer in the early days of lockdown!) to offer of toys and furniture going spare. Someone even arranged an Easter egg hunt for the kids!

  During the rare occasions that we see each other on the street, we talk to each other more now, and it feels like we are all looking out for each other a bit more.

  We're also talking about the street party we'll be having when it's possible and safe again!

  
  
• Share It is a busy road but we reach out to each other on Facebook Share It is a busy road but we reach out to each other on Twitter Share It is a busy road but we reach out to each other on Linkedin Email It is a busy road but we reach out to each other link

  It is a busy road but we reach out to each other

  by kamilpac, almost 6 years ago

  Our group started on a busy main road despite very diverse housing and lots of businesses intermixed

  Some people knew each other from living next door or having some shared activities but most of us got to know each other well in subsequent weeks. I don't think anyone every had as much positive interaction with their neighbors as was made possible thanks to the group.

  We had lots of messages of encouragement in the group and in real life there were things gifted and exchanged. Spare bricks for a DIY barbecue, Shopkins , curtains material to make bunting, cake -... Continue reading

  Our group started on a busy main road despite very diverse housing and lots of businesses intermixed

  Some people knew each other from living next door or having some shared activities but most of us got to know each other well in subsequent weeks. I don't think anyone every had as much positive interaction with their neighbors as was made possible thanks to the group.

  We had lots of messages of encouragement in the group and in real life there were things gifted and exchanged. Spare bricks for a DIY barbecue, Shopkins , curtains material to make bunting, cake - lots of it! We also help each other out, there were offers of doing shopping, pick up perishables, dig up some three cornered leek etc.

  The current focus are adventures of the resident hedgehog and trying to encourage it to visit gardens and deal with the slugs and snails.

  We are really keen on being able to meet safely face to face again as a group and there might be a street party :) on the cards once the situation is more appropriate.