Leek’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Lyn Swindlehurst is looking forward to taking an active role in helping residents and the business community get back up to speed as we emerge from this public health crisis.
“I am so proud of the way that the people of Leek have come together to support their neighbours and friends as this troubling situation has unfolded,” says Lyn. Adding: “Leek Town Council took the decision in April to grant £1,000 to the Haregate Community Centre to ensure initiatives such as the Community Cupboard and telephone support of individuals and their families is maintained.
“But rather than just treading water, our town seems to thrive on these challenges. The Community Centre staff are working closely with the Survive Together volunteer group to ensure that specific requirements of vulnerable people are fulfilled.
“Under the inspired leadership of Grace Buckley, Survive Together has also been helping support local businesses with its “Supporting Leek Week” event, by way of its Facebook group. Residents of Leek have been asked to post about their local purchases in the hope of winning a hamper consisting of different products supplied by various local businesses.
Businesses such as Bibelot, Becalmed and The Herb and Spice Co have all donated goods together with contributions from Blooming Delicious Cakes and Gifts, P.S Chocolates, Pronto and The Alphabet Store.
Lyn continues: “The winner of this special prize Lisa Riley, spoke for all of us when she said it’s really important to support our local businesses now, so that they’re still here when all this is over.
“On top of this event, Survive Together has also been giving its support to Mental Health Awareness week by raising money for Rethink Mental Illness. Activities include sharing candid testimonials around the topic of mental health in a moving display of solidarity with others in a world where more people suffer with mental health problems than ever before.
Says Lyn: “The Town Council value the crucial importance of these key individuals and groups who are working so hard to help in building community resilience at this difficult time.”