Calderdale Council thanks local volunteers

From furloughed workers turned volunteers, to neighbours delivering groceries and prescriptions, the Council wants to thank everyone for the wave of kindness that has swept the region during these unsettling times.

Coun Tim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council and Chair of WY&H Health and Care Partnership Board, said:“Our outstanding community groups have always been a crucial part of what makes Calderdale so special.

“Their compassion, teamwork and determination ensure that our most vulnerable residents stay safe, well and happy, day in day out. In this national emergency, that support is needed more than ever.

“I wanted to put on record the Council’s thanks for everything that local voluntary organisations continue to do. We know they are pulling out all the stops and we hope our grants help to make the situation a little easier for them.

“I know that the appreciation expressed in my letter is echoed throughout our communities.

“We have learned so much during this crisis, but the most important lesson has been to see demonstrated, time and again, the very best of all of our people, regardless of where they work and what they do.

“Everyone has stepped up and in many cases gone way beyond the limits of their job descriptions to make sure that no one has been forgotten or unnecessarily exposed to danger.

“I would like to personally thank the entire health and care workforce throughout West Yorkshire and Harrogate for acting as one team for 100 days and beyond”.

Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member who has special responsibility for overseeing volunteering during the pandemic, said: “The kindness of our brilliant volunteers and community organisations always makes Calderdale such a special place. But this year, their support has been even more valuable – first helping local people through the devastating floods in February, and now supporting those most at risk from COVID-19.

“From making sure vulnerable people get essential support, to providing a listening ear on the phone, our volunteers are a vital lifeline to so many, and a major part of the joint response to the current crisis.

“So our message to Calderdale volunteers this Volunteers’ Week, throughout the pandemic and always, is: ‘Thank you so much for everything you do – we couldn’t do it without you.’”

Thanks to all the organisations and individuals who supplied photos for this supplement.

The Halifax Courier approached several groups and organisations ... we couldn’t possibly get to everybody, and some were unable at this time to participate, but don’t worry if you or your staff aren’t featured. We’re more than happy to devote more pages in the near future for more Big Thank You pictures. If you’d like to send in photos please email [email protected], including the names of those pictured and what they do, or have done, in the coronavirus effort.