A Tribute to Members in Bath
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Tim Langhorn is a Community Support Worker in Bath.
On the 23rd March 2020, we went into the first national lockdown. It was a new and strange experience. We were all told to stay indoors. The streets went very quiet and the City of Bath was empty. The hustle and bustle of shoppers and tourists no longer there. The usual noise of traffic or people chatting in the street or on their phones, gone silent.
For all our Members, the world around them was closing down. Things were starting to change. Social groups, activity groups, projects or meetings all had to stop. Members were experiencing an upheaval to their daily and weekly routine. Including their support from KeyRing.
For most Members in Bath, they received phone calls instead of face-to-face visits. This went on for quite some time. Then eventually, when Members started to feel less worried or anxious, we started to meet on a one to one basis outside. Only visiting Members in their homes when absolute necessary. As time went on, we started to meet in small groups, which really helped people feel less isolated.
Throughout this time, the Members in Bath have experienced many emotions. For some it was very scary and they were frightened to leave their home. Others felt very anxious or worried. Many experienced the feeling of loneliness or isolation, as they could no longer visit friends, family, or the usual people they would see during the course of their week. However, bit by bit, all our Members started to build a new structure for their week, a new routine, new ways to communicate with people and developed new ideas to keep themselves occupied.
Slowly, some of those not so nice feelings started to go. Members were starting to get used to this new way of living. They all know there is still a way to go before life gets back to more how it used to be. Nevertheless, they are getting there.
I wanted to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the Members in Bath for how they have bravely kept going through a very challenging time. Each one of our Members has shown that they have the capacity to cope with unexpected change. Each Member has shown how strong and resilient they can be, when faced with such a serious situation as a pandemic.
The Members of Bath have all shown what strong-minded people they truly are and continue to be. Therefore, I want to give a big and hearty shout out to Derek, Nigel, Ruth, Katy, Rachel, Dave, Mark, Eddie, Jenny and Ron. Regardless of what the future holds in store, you are all truly amazing people.
You can find out more about our Bath service on our South West page.