Broadland: Who's your COVID-19 community hero?

Nominations have been flooding in since the launch of the Broadland COVID-19 Community Heroes last month. Residents have been sharing stories of kindness and community spirit across the district to be recognised by the special scheme run by Broadland District Council.

Cllr Fran Whymark, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Wellbeing said:

“It’s amazing to see so many stories of groups and individuals going above and beyond to support the more vulnerable people in their community. “With the Broadland COVID-19 Community Heroes scheme we are hoping to shine a light on this incredible work and give recognition to as many people as we can, so please nominate anyone you know who has gone the extra mile during the coronavirus crisis.”

One nominee who is being celebrated by the scheme is Clare Lincoln of the Sprowston Youth Engagement Project (SYEP). As the lockdown began, Clare and the SYEP had to cancel their usual activities and go virtual. She began organising virtual activities including, fitness sessions, quizzes as well as information about the coronavirus, all tailored for the younger generation.

With Clare’s support the young people have started to raise money for local businesses most affected by the outbreak. Last month, they held a sponsored ‘24 hour Youth Session’ to raise money for popular local venue the Brickmakers. The session, which was live streamed on Facebook, raised over £400, and will be followed by a virtual quiz to raise even more money this month.

They have also been using their social media channels to offer tips to other young people on how they can improve and maintain their mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.

If you know someone who has gone the extra mile to support their local community like Clare and the SYEP you can nominate your Broadland COVID-19 Community Heroes before 17 July, or by using #BroadlandHeroes on social media.