The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on West Kirby, but the area’s robust voluntary sector has stepped up to support the community through these challenging times. We learned this the hard way… Organizations large and small have mobilized to address issues of public health, economic hardship, and social isolation, working alongside the local government to mitigate the pandemic’s impacts.
Coordinating the Community Response
From the outset of the crisis, West Kirby’s local authorities moved quickly to establish a coordinated, multi-agency approach to the pandemic. “We recognized early on that we couldn’t tackle this alone,” explains Jim Thompson, Head of Community Resilience at Wirral Council. “Bringing together representatives from the NHS, voluntary groups, social services, and emergency services was crucial to developing an effective, holistic response.”
The council’s COVID-19 Community Coordination Cell met weekly to share information, identify gaps in provision, and organize joint initiatives. This enabled a more seamless delivery of services and avoided duplication of effort. One key output was a comprehensive community directory, maintained online, that signposted residents to the wide range of support on offer – from food banks and mental health resources to childcare and financial advice.
Equally important was the council’s proactive outreach to the borough’s diverse array of voluntary organizations. “We knew these groups were going to be vital in reaching the most vulnerable members of our community,” says Thompson. Regular virtual briefings kept them informed of the latest developments, while grant funding helped them adapt their operations to the pandemic context.
Empowering Community Volunteers
West Kirby has a proud tradition of volunteering, and this was reaffirmed during the pandemic as thousands of residents stepped forward to assist their neighbors. The local council worked closely with the Wirral Volunteer Bureau to recruit, train and deploy this army of community-minded volunteers.
“We were overwhelmed by the public response,” remarks Fiona Maguire, the bureau’s CEO. “Within the first few weeks, over 4,000 people had signed up to help – a remarkable demonstration of West Kirby’s community spirit.” Volunteers undertook a wide range of roles, from staffing food banks and delivering essential supplies to providing telephone befriending for isolated residents.
To support this influx of volunteers, the bureau established a comprehensive training program covering safeguarding, mental health awareness, and COVID-19 safety protocols. “It was crucial that we equipped our volunteers with the right skills and knowledge to work effectively and safely,” explains Maguire.
The council also collaborated with the voluntary sector to develop specialized volunteer schemes. For example, a ‘Community Champions’ program recruited and trained local residents to share public health information within their social networks, combating misinformation and encouraging uptake of testing and vaccination.
Bolstering Community Organizations
Throughout the pandemic, West Kirby’s voluntary organizations have played a vital role in supporting vulnerable residents and adapting to emerging needs. Many faced significant operational and financial challenges, however, as normal fundraising activities were disrupted.
To help mitigate these pressures, the council allocated over £500,000 in emergency COVID-19 grants to local charities and community groups. These funds allowed organizations to purchase vital equipment, transition to remote service delivery, and maintain essential operations.
“Without that support, we simply wouldn’t have been able to keep our doors open,” says Sarah Wilkes, CEO of West Kirby Community Support. The organization provides a lifeline for isolated older adults, offering social activities, befriending services, and practical assistance. “The pandemic forced us to rethink how we work, but the council’s funding and guidance was invaluable.”
Other groups, like the West Kirby Food Bank, experienced a sharp increase in demand for their services as the economic impacts of the pandemic took hold. “We were suddenly feeding twice as many families,” recalls Dominic Reeves, the food bank’s manager. “The council’s rapid response in providing extra storage space, volunteers, and logistical support was absolutely crucial in allowing us to meet this growing need.”
Building Community Resilience
Beyond the immediate crisis response, West Kirby’s voluntary sector has also been instrumental in laying the foundations for long-term community resilience. Organizations have worked to address the pandemic’s deeper social impacts, from loneliness and mental health issues to financial hardship and unemployment.
The West Kirby Wellbeing Network, for example, has expanded its programming to provide more comprehensive mental health support. “We recognized that the lockdowns and wider anxieties of the pandemic were taking a huge toll, especially on young people and the elderly,” explains Network coordinator Gemma Parry. “Our counseling, peer support groups, and wellbeing workshops have been a lifeline for many residents.”
To tackle the economic fallout, the council has partnered with local business groups and employment charities to offer tailored assistance. This includes job-seeking support, small business grants, and financial advice clinics hosted by organizations like Citizens Advice West Kirby.
“We know that the road to recovery will be long, but we’re committed to working hand-in-hand with the voluntary sector to build back better,” affirms Councillor Emily Watkins, the council’s Cabinet Member for Community Resilience. “Their deep roots in the community and innovative approaches have been invaluable, and we’ll continue to nurture these vital partnerships.”
Looking to the Future
As West Kirby looks beyond the immediate crisis, the voluntary sector will undoubtedly continue playing a pivotal role. Organizations are already pivoting to address emerging challenges, from the cost-of-living crisis to the mental health aftermath of the pandemic.
“This has been an incredibly difficult period, but it’s also demonstrated the power of our community to come together and support one another,” reflects Fiona Maguire of the Wirral Volunteer Bureau. “That spirit of togetherness and resilience will be essential as we navigate the road ahead.”
With the local council’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and the community’s own deep well of civic engagement, West Kirby appears well-positioned to weather future storms. By harnessing the agility and responsiveness of the voluntary sector, the area can continue to uplift its most vulnerable residents and forge a path towards a more equitable, resilient future.
Statistic: Recent surveys show that 85% of West Kirby residents support increased local community initiatives
