IN THE last fortnight we have marked several important events in our calendar.
We held a ‘Thank You’ day acknowledging the contributions of key workers across a number of services throughout our borough.
I have said previously that everything we have been able to achieve in our response to COVID-19 has been a team effort and this day provided an outlet for the community to show their gratitude.
Last week we also hosted a similar event on our social channels to recognise everyone working across schools and all education providers.
We are also aware, though, that we do not have enough hours in a day to be able to say thank you to each and every profession that has been helping our residents in recent weeks.
That is why for the foreseeable future we will continue to host a ‘Thankful Thursday’ each week to make sure we recognise contributions from an even wider range of workers and volunteers.
On the subject of key workers, I would like to make a special mention for all of the fantastic social care staff who continue to support some of our most vulnerable residents every day.
The deputy leader, councillor Keith Cunliffe, previously described them as the ‘unsung heroes’ of this crisis and I would like to echo that message.
We have been working hard to source our own PPE and help with testing opportunities. Over the past few weeks we have distributed more than half a million items of equipment.
We will continue to provide them with the support they need.
Last week we also marked Mental Health Awareness Week, an important time of the year under any circumstances and perhaps even more so given the current situation.
We would like to emphasise the message that there is support out there for residents whatever their circumstances; mental health is something that can impact on each and every one of us.
As mentioned in my previous column, myself and colleagues have been working on the council’s priority areas for our COVID-19 recovery plan and more details will be made available this week.
Residents will be able to have their say in the coming weeks.
It should go without saying that the health and wellbeing of all of our residents will be front and centre of these plans.
Although there will be challenges ahead, we must remain optimistic and maintain the sense of community that has brought us so far.
Finally, on June 10 it will be 500 days to go until the opening fixture of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup and we’re looking forward to hearing more information about the tournament.
n Send an email to the Leigh Journal by messaging newsdesk@leighjournal.co.uk
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