What south Essex residents have learned during Covid lockdown

Nevertheless, we’ve certainly all been taught a lesson or too. Whether it’s the importance of family, the true value of our key worker heroes or how to save a few pennies.

Many who may not be used to modern technology have also had to take a step into the virtual world to stay in touch with loved ones, while we’ve all been reminded of the importance of kindness.

George Whatley

George Whatley

WORKING from home, online shopping, and spending the odd day in your pyjamas has all added up to help us save a bit of money over the past year.

George Whatley, from Canvey, says the pandemic has indeed taught us the importance of just that - avoiding overspending at the supermarket and putting away a few pennies here and there.

The 79-year-old explained: “I’ve definitely saved money during the pandemic. We actually have had food delivered and can go through what we actually need instead of going to the shop, having a browse, and picking up whatever we want.

“A lot of the time you spend £40 more than you planned to, and this way we aren’t wasting any food. Although we might have spent a few more bob on takeaway, we haven’t gone too overboard.

“With shops shut, like haberdashers for example, we’re not going out to buy as much extra bits either and are just saying we’ll wait a while before we get that.

“You might be having a couple of days in your pyjamas, but I’d say the average house must be saving up to ten litres of petrol a month not doing any un-necessary journeys.”

Colin Nickless

Colin and fam

THE importance of our loved ones has never been more clear, with many learning to treasure the precious moments after spending time apart we will never get back.

Colin Nickless says his full-time job as a dad to Ellie, Izzy and Freddy only continued through the pandemic, but for some time at home is something people may have before taken for granted. 

The 45-year-old, from Thorpe Bay, said: “I think what the pandemic has taught a lot of people is spending as much time with your family as you have.

“You never know how much time you will have with them, so the past year has really shown how important that is.

“Although spending time at home has been quite hard for a lot of people, especially with home schooling, you learn to really appreciate things people might have taken for granted.

“For me it’s been constantly about looking after the kids, two who have disabilities. Anything that needs doing around the house I try to fit around them, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Bob Taylor

Bob and grandson

A GRANDAD has been able to re-connect with old friends he hasn’t seen for decades thanks to the power of social media in the pandemic.

Bob Taylor, from Laindon, learnt how to use Facebook after the virus hit, having never used the platform until the last year.

Making the most of local groups on the site, Mr Taylor now uses pages such as the Save Laindon Community Centre and Bar to stay in touch with thousands of residents from across the neighbourhood - right from the safety of his home.

The 73-year-old said: “I think everyone is actually using more technology than ever before, where they’ve had to use it to keep in touch with people.

“I myself went on Facebook and was able to get in touch with friends I haven’t seen for 20 or 30 years.

“Nowadays I actually use it quite a lot. I also do a lot of bowling, and there’s a group I’m a part of where you can get in touch with other bowlers too.

“It’s fantastic for seeing what goes on across the area, and the country too.

“I could be classed as vulnerable so I do have to be careful, so this has been great to keep in touch with people.”

St Vincent de Paul Society

Paul

THE pandemic has taught us the importance of kindness and compassion and treating others with respect.

This has become resonant in our communities.

One group which supports the vulnerable in Southend has even seen 150 volunteers step in since the crisis began.

Daniel Cauchi is president of the St Vincent de Paul Society - which works to tackle poverty.

He said: “When you go about your everyday life you don’t realise how much care and compassion is around you.

“But when you’re down at a centre like ours 24 hours a day there’s so much of it that walks through the door, especially during the past year, when so many have given their time and donations.

“Throughout the pandemic we’ve had even more people step forward to volunteer - we went from 20 of us to 178.

“We wouldn’t be able to cope without them, and it makes them feel good in return helping others.

“This kindness and support is how we’ve come from strength to strength.”

Faye Axford

Sophie and Callum Axford

DOCTORS, nurses and key workers are nothing short of heroic everyday, but have especially been critical in the fight against Covid-19.

The true value of NHS and key workers has shone bright during the pandemic.

Faye Axford, mum to Callum, has seen first hand the amazing professionalism of the NHS over the years. But this has recognition has grown among us all during Covid.

Callum, ten, has a rare combination of cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and neurofibromatosis type one, including optic tumours.

Despite having to shield and face doctors appointments from home, Faye says NHS support has remained outstanding.

Faye, 39, from Benfleet, said: “We’ve had all the appointments through lockdown changed to zoom calls and telephone appointments. As always they’ve been brilliant, but especially through the pandemic which has made more people realise how hard they work.”