A Harrogate social media group which gained thousands of followers at the start of lockdown “is still here for people”, says its co-founder.
Covid Co-Operation, a Facebook group founded in March, has more than 10,000 members helping to support people in the district throughout the crisis.
When it was set up, the group focused mainly on those who were vulnerable and needed to self-isolate by giving advice and support.
It also raised thousands of pounds for local charities as part of a crowdfunding appeal, with causes such as Harrogate Foodbank, IDAS and Hear to Help among those to benefit.
Now, nearly seven months into the pandemic, Susie Little, co-founder of the group, has said the group is operating differently.
She told the Stray Ferret:
“In hindsight, when you look back there was a significant amount of panic.
“I think it was a different level of panic, people did not really know what to do or where to turn.
“People were going into isolation and had not thought about how they were going to do their shopping.”
Susie says the group changed when restrictions relaxed over summer.
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Most posts are now about the daily figures and keeping people informed of the situation in the district.
Susie said:
“I’m starting to use the group as a means of getting figures over every day because the government stopped doing the daily conferences.
“I do get the feeling that people value the fact that any information that we have on our group is verified.”
Currently, Harrogate has the highest weekly case rate in the county with 116 per 100,000 people up to October 10.
But North Yorkshire has been placed in the lowest category in the government’s tier system this week, which means no additional restrictions will be imposed.
For Susie, the pandemic has been the most “significant event for a generation” and she says the group will continue to be there for people who need help or support as the crisis develops.
“We are still here, people should not hesitate to ask for help if they need it.”
