It’s that time of the week again, when The Whitehaven News invites readers to nominate people who’ve been working wonders during these uncertain times.
It could be a helpful neighbour, key worker or someone who’s just kept your spirits up - we want to hear about people who deserve some recognition and a virtual bunch of flowers.
This week it’s 43-year-old Ryan Taylor, the team leader for Area 6 of Whitehaven Covid-19 Support Group - which covers areas such as Hillcrest, Hensingham, Red Lonning and others.
The team is part of a larger group of about 95 volunteers that have been working to support residents in the crisis.
In Area 6 however he and six other volunteers have been quietly helping people by providing services which include day-to-day support such pharmacy collections, telephone befriending, dog working, posting mail and helping residents get in touch with people like plumbers when there’s a household emergency.
They have also helped in things like donation drives for the local foodbank.
Ryan, a dad-of-two and a senior project manager at Sellafield, said: “Without the team none of this would be possible.
“I think that when there is a crisis or pandemic, people seem to pull together more, the community comes alive. That is how it works I think, people gel together.”
He said they are looking at renaming the group the Whitehaven Action Group after the crisis.
Ryan added: “We have a lot of stuff going on, the foodbank drive for example, we managed to get three-quarters of a tonne of food donated that was well supported.”
The group ran a competition to put posters around town for example to celebrate Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8 and to thank key workers during the crisis, and worked on sprucing up Trinity Gardens.
They are also planning to mark Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, August 15, in a number of the town’s care homes.
Ryan is on the lookout for volunteers for the Copeland Music Festival which will hopefully take place in April.
To offer help for the groups activities email ryantaylor30@yahoo.co.uk
To offer help with the music festival email info@platinum-live.co.uk
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