How is your community pulling together to support one another?

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Inspire Cheshire West has closed.

Thank you to everyone who took part. Your contributions, stories, ideas and experiences about life under lockdown restrictions were a valuable resource to the communities of west Cheshire.


Community spirit is shining across west Cheshire as people pull together to look out for each other. There are small acts of kindness everywhere, with people being good neighbours, flourishing new community initiatives and residents volunteering to help tackle the virus.

There are so many inspiring stories highlighting the part everyone can play to make a real difference. We want to capture stories from your community here.

Inspire Cheshire West has closed.

Thank you to everyone who took part. Your contributions, stories, ideas and experiences about life under lockdown restrictions were a valuable resource to the communities of west Cheshire.


Community spirit is shining across west Cheshire as people pull together to look out for each other. There are small acts of kindness everywhere, with people being good neighbours, flourishing new community initiatives and residents volunteering to help tackle the virus.

There are so many inspiring stories highlighting the part everyone can play to make a real difference. We want to capture stories from your community here.

Please add your story here

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Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Inspire Cheshire West has closed. Thank you to everyone who took part. Your contributions, stories, ideas and experiences about life under lockdown restrictions were a valuable resource to the communities of west Cheshire.
  • Share 3 Golden Hearts on Facebook Share 3 Golden Hearts on X (formerly Twitter) Share 3 Golden Hearts on Linkedin Email 3 Golden Hearts link

    3 Golden Hearts

    by emzie84, over 6 years ago

    Not long after Christmas i asked both my young sons if we could sort through their old toys - give the good ones they don't use to charity shop etc.... my 5 year old (was 4 at the time) said "but i like my toys so i want to keep them" I told him that he was lucky because he had a nice Christmas and got loads of new gifts, but some children didn't even have heating or a meal let along any gifts.... he then went on to say "OK mum they can have the toys and we can... Continue reading

    Not long after Christmas i asked both my young sons if we could sort through their old toys - give the good ones they don't use to charity shop etc.... my 5 year old (was 4 at the time) said "but i like my toys so i want to keep them" I told him that he was lucky because he had a nice Christmas and got loads of new gifts, but some children didn't even have heating or a meal let along any gifts.... he then went on to say "OK mum they can have the toys and we can buy some heaters and i have money in my wallet to buy food for them"....... as over the last 2 years the kids have done fundraising for various charities i asked if they would like to raise money during 2020 to buy food for our local food-bank and toys for the toy appeal at Christmas... they were excited and shouted "YES PLEASE"


    before the lock-down the boys and their sister had managed to raise £114!! but as we went into lock-down the boys both got upset! i thought they were upset because they thought it meant we were in danger so i said it was OK it just means we are staying safe and that mummy would make sure she is safe while at work (in a care home!) they then told me they were only upset because they couldn't do their sponsored litter-pick or walk for their fundraising!! i told them it was fine and they had already raised a lot of money - and that once it is safe to do so they can carry on with the fundraising..... as they were still upset i promised that i would shave all 26 inch's of my hair off if we could raise £400 on a just giving page and then the money can go with the money they raised.... they are both now happy and safe!


    if anyone would like to sponsor this crazy lady to shave all 26 inches of her hair of please use this link :) :- https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emma-mayers-4?utm_term=edMpJ4p5y

  • Share Weekly tracking on Facebook Share Weekly tracking on X (formerly Twitter) Share Weekly tracking on Linkedin Email Weekly tracking link

    Weekly tracking

    by Matt Bryan, over 6 years ago

    Local charity for the visually impaired expands services to assist all in need across Chester and Ellesmere Port during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Chester and District Federation of the Blind is a small, local charity run by and for people who are blind and partially sighted. They have a large building with catering fridges and freezers, a number of vehicles and 200 long-standing volunteers and have stepped up to provide vital services for the whole community irrespective of their vision.

    Charity manager Sue Hearfield said “The most important part of the service is that we are able to track the changes... Continue reading

    Local charity for the visually impaired expands services to assist all in need across Chester and Ellesmere Port during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Chester and District Federation of the Blind is a small, local charity run by and for people who are blind and partially sighted. They have a large building with catering fridges and freezers, a number of vehicles and 200 long-standing volunteers and have stepped up to provide vital services for the whole community irrespective of their vision.

    Charity manager Sue Hearfield said “The most important part of the service is that we are able to track the changes in people’s circumstances. Someone may have practical support one week but that may be on hold the following week. We are trying to fill in some of the gaps. We’ve been a registered charity since 2009 and it’s lovely to be in a position to try and help the communities which have supported us both with monetary and other donations over the years. Our members are in the main, vulnerable and elderly, many suffer from chronic illnesses as well as sight loss. it is very important that our members self-isolate. When COVID-19 made it impossible for us to run our regular services we turned to supporting our members and other members of our community in other ways. We have set up a Telephone Befriending service. Each vulnerable person needing support has his or her own telephone befriender. The befriender will call as many times as is required to offer support and practical help. Once a week the telephone befrienders call the office with the shopping lists of all the people they are in contact with. We then shop and deliver. We also provide a prescription collection service and provide an emergency food service for people with no money and have slipped through the net. When it became clear that our members were desperately missing their audiobooks we contacted the local council who have loaned us their supply of audiobooks. We are able to deliver and collect both audio and paper-back books.

    ”Cllr Matt Bryan said “ CDFB’s quick reaction to the pandemic over the past 8 weeks has been really successful and has provided a crucial service for people in need in a rapidly changing situation across our whole area, thank you!”

    CDFB have been working with the local council, doctor’s surgeries, local Mutual-Aid groups and local Community Transport and are grateful for the assistance received from the Steve Morgan Foundation and Cheshire West and Chester Council.

  • Share Local Mum Sets Up Food Bank in Kelsall Village on Facebook Share Local Mum Sets Up Food Bank in Kelsall Village on X (formerly Twitter) Share Local Mum Sets Up Food Bank in Kelsall Village on Linkedin Email Local Mum Sets Up Food Bank in Kelsall Village link

    Local Mum Sets Up Food Bank in Kelsall Village

    by Kelsall Food Bank, over 6 years ago

    Local mum and teacher, Vicky Charlton, has set up the Kelsall Food Bank in direct response to the Covid 19 crisis.

    At the beginning of the crisis Vicky initially joined the Kelsall Support Network - a team of volunteers that are organised and deployed to help those members of Kelsall who are self-isolating or who are struggling for whatever reason during this difficult time. On her travels, and armed with a bundle of leaflets, Vicky set out to visit 3 streets in Kelsall. This trip was to change everything! Through chatting to one local resident it was clear that they... Continue reading

    Local mum and teacher, Vicky Charlton, has set up the Kelsall Food Bank in direct response to the Covid 19 crisis.

    At the beginning of the crisis Vicky initially joined the Kelsall Support Network - a team of volunteers that are organised and deployed to help those members of Kelsall who are self-isolating or who are struggling for whatever reason during this difficult time. On her travels, and armed with a bundle of leaflets, Vicky set out to visit 3 streets in Kelsall. This trip was to change everything! Through chatting to one local resident it was clear that they were not going to eat that week unless they were supported. And from that conversation the Kelsall Food Bank was born!

    The Food Bank has gone from strength to strength and they are now supporting seven families in the village. Local members of the community support with their time, donations of food or money and the best bit - deliveries! "Seeing smiling faces every Saturday is my treat of the week!" said Vicky.

    The support doesn't just stop with the local residents as Vicky has managed to secure a grant from Cheshire Police, as well as drumming up support from the local shops - Dutton's Butchers supply fresh meat for each family every week and the CO-OP donates products every Friday evening - as well as gifting the Food Bank £50! Help and advice is always available from Harry, the local councillor, as well as, Molly, Vicky's daughter, who helps out with packing the food parcels and deliveries.

    All in all it's a team effort and Kelsall Food Bank will remain in place until the lock down lifts.

  • Share No homeless in Chester....... being fed each day by artisan food outlets, churches and others. on Facebook Share No homeless in Chester....... being fed each day by artisan food outlets, churches and others. on X (formerly Twitter) Share No homeless in Chester....... being fed each day by artisan food outlets, churches and others. on Linkedin Email No homeless in Chester....... being fed each day by artisan food outlets, churches and others. link

    No homeless in Chester....... being fed each day by artisan food outlets, churches and others.

    by Steve@Seed, over 6 years ago

    Many organisations and individuals had been working together including businesses, social enterprises, faith groups, volunteers to house the homeless.

    Somehow the Covid19 allowed every homeless person to be accomadated and fed, predominantly by local artisan food outlets, every day.

    A mention to Soul Kitchen playing a leading role in this and the organisations they work with.

    No homeless in Chester....... being fed each day by artisan food outlets, churches and others.

    No homeless in Chester....... being fed each day by artisan food outlets, churches and others.

    T: @soul_chester

    F: Soul Kitchen Chester

    Many organisations and individuals had been working together including businesses, social enterprises, faith groups, volunteers to house the homeless.

    Somehow the Covid19 allowed every homeless person to be accomadated and fed, predominantly by local artisan food outlets, every day.

    A mention to Soul Kitchen playing a leading role in this and the organisations they work with.

    No homeless in Chester....... being fed each day by artisan food outlets, churches and others.

    No homeless in Chester....... being fed each day by artisan food outlets, churches and others.

    T: @soul_chester

    F: Soul Kitchen Chester

  • Share Ellesmere Port Help Scheme on Facebook Share Ellesmere Port Help Scheme on X (formerly Twitter) Share Ellesmere Port Help Scheme on Linkedin Email Ellesmere Port Help Scheme link

    Ellesmere Port Help Scheme

    by CllrNicole, over 6 years ago

    The Ellesmere Port Help scheme was set up by the local MP and Councillors as soon as lockdown began. Since then, it has been able to support hundreds of residents who are struggling to get supplies and prescriptions.

    Many residents are facing financial hardship or have to self-isolate because of the coronavirus. The Ellesmere Port Help scheme delivers food packages, along with other supplies such as toiletries, cleaning products, pet foods and baby packs, direct to their doors.

    Our volunteers work tirelessly – shopping, packing and delivering much needed parcels across the town and funding has been received from Essar... Continue reading

    The Ellesmere Port Help scheme was set up by the local MP and Councillors as soon as lockdown began. Since then, it has been able to support hundreds of residents who are struggling to get supplies and prescriptions.

    Many residents are facing financial hardship or have to self-isolate because of the coronavirus. The Ellesmere Port Help scheme delivers food packages, along with other supplies such as toiletries, cleaning products, pet foods and baby packs, direct to their doors.

    Our volunteers work tirelessly – shopping, packing and delivering much needed parcels across the town and funding has been received from Essar Oil UK, The Ellesmere Port Round Table, the Council’s Covid Members Budgets and public donations.

    Close links have been made with West Cheshire Foodbank, Chester Kidsbank and other organisations to make sure residents get the help they need.

    If you or someone you know could benefit from our scheme, please call 0151 357 2092 or email EPortHelp@gmail.com


    Photo of Justin Madders MP and wife Cllr Nicole Meardon packing bags at Ellesmere Port Help Scheme.

  • Share How you can get involved in activities on VE Day on Facebook Share How you can get involved in activities on VE Day on X (formerly Twitter) Share How you can get involved in activities on VE Day on Linkedin Email How you can get involved in activities on VE Day link

    How you can get involved in activities on VE Day

    by Comms@CW&C, over 6 years ago

    Here's a timetable of events for tomorrow and where you can find them:


    Friday, 8 May

    • Chester Town Hall bunting and VE Day flag.
    • 10.30am - VE day flag West Cheshire Museums (West Cheshire Museums Facebook pages)
    • 10.30am - VE day flag video (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • 11am - poem (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • Noon - VE Day service (https://youtu.be/O08WJffxur4)
    • Noon - montage of Cheshire war related photos (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • 12.30pm - Chester Bandstand presents a VE Day Tribute (Facebook @chesterbandstand)
    • 1pm - Wartime songs with Doodlebugs – video (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • 2.30pm - poem (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • 2.55pm - The Last... Continue reading

    Here's a timetable of events for tomorrow and where you can find them:


    Friday, 8 May

    • Chester Town Hall bunting and VE Day flag.
    • 10.30am - VE day flag West Cheshire Museums (West Cheshire Museums Facebook pages)
    • 10.30am - VE day flag video (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • 11am - poem (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • Noon - VE Day service (https://youtu.be/O08WJffxur4)
    • Noon - montage of Cheshire war related photos (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • 12.30pm - Chester Bandstand presents a VE Day Tribute (Facebook @chesterbandstand)
    • 1pm - Wartime songs with Doodlebugs – video (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • 2.30pm - poem (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • 2.55pm - The Last Post (national event)
    • 3pm - VE Day Toast (national event)
    • 3pm - Cheshire home Guard celebrate VE Day with their own garden party
    • 4pm - Owen Powell talk (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • 5pm - ‘What did you do in the war Deva’ Emma Stuart #whatareyoureading (Facebook @cwaclibrary)
    • 9pm - Address to the Nation by Her Majesty the Queen
    • 9pm - Sharon Wallace – We’ll Meet Again
  • Share Neston Angels #NeverMoreNeeded on Facebook Share Neston Angels #NeverMoreNeeded on X (formerly Twitter) Share Neston Angels #NeverMoreNeeded on Linkedin Email Neston Angels #NeverMoreNeeded link

    Neston Angels #NeverMoreNeeded

    by Neston Community Youth Centre, over 6 years ago
    Cllr Gittins, Foodbank Volunteers and Gareth during a foodbank session and making up goody packs for local carers

    For the past 7 weeks, Neston Community Youth Centre have continued to support local people and as of today we have registered almost 600 local people aged from 3 to 101 to receive support with shopping, prescription deliveries, contact calls, foodbank and much more.

    None of this would be possible without the support of Ellesmere Port and Neston Community Transport, West Cheshire Foodbank and an incredible team of 137 volunteers.

    Last week we provided 'Goody Boxes' for carers working in Local Care Homes.

    Anyone in the CH64 postcode area can get in touch for support at www.nestoncyc.org.uk or on 0151... Continue reading

    For the past 7 weeks, Neston Community Youth Centre have continued to support local people and as of today we have registered almost 600 local people aged from 3 to 101 to receive support with shopping, prescription deliveries, contact calls, foodbank and much more.

    None of this would be possible without the support of Ellesmere Port and Neston Community Transport, West Cheshire Foodbank and an incredible team of 137 volunteers.

    Last week we provided 'Goody Boxes' for carers working in Local Care Homes.

    Anyone in the CH64 postcode area can get in touch for support at www.nestoncyc.org.uk or on 0151 336 7805


  • Share COMMUNITY FOOD RESPONSE IN BLACON. BLACON ACTION TEAM on Facebook Share COMMUNITY FOOD RESPONSE IN BLACON. BLACON ACTION TEAM on X (formerly Twitter) Share COMMUNITY FOOD RESPONSE IN BLACON. BLACON ACTION TEAM on Linkedin Email COMMUNITY FOOD RESPONSE IN BLACON. BLACON ACTION TEAM link

    COMMUNITY FOOD RESPONSE IN BLACON. BLACON ACTION TEAM

    by SL, over 6 years ago

    BLACON ACTION TEAM @BlaconTeam

    The Blacon Action Team is a collaboration between The Blacon Community Store, Blacon Beacon, West Cheshire Foodbank, Here and Now, Kidsbank Chester, Holy Trinity Church, Cheshire West Communities Together, Welcome Network, Cheshire West and Chester Council and the local schools. We were fortunate in that the Blacon Beacon (Pantry for Blacon CIO) a new charity whose prime purpose is to provide food for those in poverty in the local area of Blacon, Chester, had just finished building, decorating and furnishing a room for food storage in Blacon Holy Trinity church hall when the lockdown happened. We... Continue reading

    BLACON ACTION TEAM @BlaconTeam

    The Blacon Action Team is a collaboration between The Blacon Community Store, Blacon Beacon, West Cheshire Foodbank, Here and Now, Kidsbank Chester, Holy Trinity Church, Cheshire West Communities Together, Welcome Network, Cheshire West and Chester Council and the local schools. We were fortunate in that the Blacon Beacon (Pantry for Blacon CIO) a new charity whose prime purpose is to provide food for those in poverty in the local area of Blacon, Chester, had just finished building, decorating and furnishing a room for food storage in Blacon Holy Trinity church hall when the lockdown happened. We have been able to use the church hall and the shop as a distribution hub.

    Thanks to generous grants from The National Lottery Community Fund, and also Westminster Foundation, Cheshire Community Foundation, Transforming Lives Together and Cheshire West and Chester Council, we have been enabled to provide a food service for those who are struggling in this crisis. We have two hubs where people can collect food parcels from, at Holy Trinity church hall, and also at the Community Store on Western Avenue. Additionally, we deliver food to those who are unable to get out and do not have someone who can collect for them. This service quickly built up from nothing, and now over 330 households are registered with our service, and over 36 volunteers assist (either in one of the hubs, or making deliveries). To date we have provided food for over 2,300 people.

    This has enabled many people to keep their families from going hungry at a time of significant hardship. Moreoever, there is the opportunity of a valuable weekly contact with some vulnerable people who may be living on their own and nobody else to speak to.

    We have a regular band of volunteers and a waiting list. In normal times we would be able to use more volunteers but due to safer working and social distancing we have to limit the number of people working in the hub.

    We would like to thank Waitrose, Morrisons and Aldi for donations of food and carrier bags

  • Share Fitness with Fern - Going live on Facebook Share Fitness with Fern - Going live on X (formerly Twitter) Share Fitness with Fern - Going live on Linkedin Email Fitness with Fern - Going live link

    Fitness with Fern - Going live

    by Little Actors Theatre Company, over 6 years ago

    Every Friday at 10am Little Actors Theatre is offering a fitness workshop - suitable for all. Professional actor Fern Evans is also a qualified fitness coach and is leading these fun sessions each week as well as her You Tube recorded sessions. All free and everyone welcome.


    Contact mail@littleactorstheatre.com for the Zoom link.

    Fitness with Fern on You Tube





    Every Friday at 10am Little Actors Theatre is offering a fitness workshop - suitable for all. Professional actor Fern Evans is also a qualified fitness coach and is leading these fun sessions each week as well as her You Tube recorded sessions. All free and everyone welcome.


    Contact mail@littleactorstheatre.com for the Zoom link.

    Fitness with Fern on You Tube





  • Share VE Day Over 50s coffee morning on Facebook Share VE Day Over 50s coffee morning on X (formerly Twitter) Share VE Day Over 50s coffee morning on Linkedin Email VE Day Over 50s coffee morning link

    VE Day Over 50s coffee morning

    by Little Actors Theatre Company, over 6 years ago

    Little Actors Theatre is hosting a virtual VE Day themed coffee morning for the over 50s on Friday 8th May at 11.05am. Straight after the minutes silence, join us on Zoom for chat, reminiscence, readings etc to commemorate the 75th anniversary of peace in Europe. Contact mail@littleactorstheatre.com for the Zoom link. If you need a hand setting up Zoom call 0151 336 4302 for assistance prior to the event.

    Here's our timetable for al our weekly activities:

    Weekly schedule

    Workshop/
    Group
    		 Day/Date
    		 Time
    		 Public/Private
    mail@littleactorstheatre.com
    		 Actor





    Fitness with Fern
    		 Everyday
    		 You Tube
    		 Public
    		 Fern
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMgRleGj030





    DramaTots – pre-school/
    infants
    		 Tuesday
    ... Continue reading

    Little Actors Theatre is hosting a virtual VE Day themed coffee morning for the over 50s on Friday 8th May at 11.05am. Straight after the minutes silence, join us on Zoom for chat, reminiscence, readings etc to commemorate the 75th anniversary of peace in Europe. Contact mail@littleactorstheatre.com for the Zoom link. If you need a hand setting up Zoom call 0151 336 4302 for assistance prior to the event.

    Here's our timetable for al our weekly activities:

    Weekly schedule

    Workshop/
    Group
    		 Day/Date
    		 Time
    		 Public/Private
    mail@littleactorstheatre.com
    		 Actor





    Fitness with Fern
    		 Everyday
    		 You Tube
    		 Public
    		 Fern
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMgRleGj030





    DramaTots – pre-school/
    infants
    		 Tuesday
    		11.30am
    		 Public
    		 Samantha





    Lockdown writing and performance workshop – 12+
    		3pm
    		 Public
    		 Mike





    InterACT Youth Theatre (13+)
    		5pm
    		 Public – new members welcome for future events being planned now
    		 Samantha





    Drama Games & Improv – U11s
    		 Wednesday
    		5pm
    		 Public
    		 Holly





    Lockdown writing and performance workshop – U11s
    		 Thursday
    		10am
    		 Public
    		 Mike





    Improv – Youth Theatre 12+
    		5pm
    		 Public
    		 Holly










    Fitness with Fern
    		 Friday
    		 10am
    		 Public – family workshop
    		 Fern
    Brightlights – over 50s coffee morning

    		11am
    		 Brightlights and public
    		 Mike