YOU can’t beat a good book or a jigsaw to pass the time.
And now thanks to the efforts of volunteers with Church Hill Big Local the elderly residents of Mendip House on the estate have plenty of things to do to pass the lockdown away.
In the coronavirus pandemic Church Hill Big Local has been rolling up its sleeves and helping out with the town-wide Support Redditch Emergency Network helping residents who are self-isolating with services such as prescription collections, shopping, emergency food supplies and friendly phone calls.
However they then heard that the residents of Mendip House by Church Hill centre were stuck with nothing to pass the time away.
“There are 31 residents living there, and when the recent lockdown measures were put in place, the shared facilities including the common room were locked,” said Chris Thomas from Big Local.
“This meant the library and various jigsaw puzzles were inaccessible.
“When we heard this we wanted to do something to help so we have provided 50 reading books, an array of grown-up colouring and puzzle books along with a number of different jigsaw puzzles.”
It’s not the only help residents have received. Last Sunday Big Local’s Ian Johnson teamed up with Nicki Farnes at Emmanuel Church and local Councillors Bill Hartnett and Joe Baker to deliver food supplies to Mendip House.
For younger Church Hill residents over Easter the Big Local Easter Bunny arrived while banners have also been erected thanking NHS workers, key workers and volunteers.
“We’re just going out there and doing our bit where we can,” said Chris.
To volunteer for or receive help from the Support Redditch Emergency Network visit www.supportredditch.net, email: [email protected], or call 01527 919869.
