As the Coronavirus prompts uncertain times, local communities have taken action in a bid to help those who might be struggling with the ramifications of self-isolation or stockpiling - in the form of 'Covid-19 Mutual Aid' groups.
The Facebook groups have been springing up over the past week, with towns and villages coming together and organising how they can help people as the situation unfolds.
Pages have been made for areas across Glossop, Hollingworth, Tintwistle and more, utilising the help of local touchpoints such as The Bureau on Henry Street and parish groups to assist anyone who might be self-isolating or having trouble obtaining much-needed items.
Sarah Tinsley, Emma Threlfall, Rob Baker, Tracy-Jane Fielding, Samantha Riddle and Owain Paciuszko are admins of the Glossop Covid-19 Mutual Aid page, who have been working tirelessly to help organise resident efforts to help one another in uncertain times.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Samantha said she was prompted to start the group following disappointment over the Government's response to the crisis:
"Inspired by the Covid-19 mutual aid groups I'd seen friends posting about in their areas, and disappointed by the Government's lack of action - and at worst dereliction of duty - in dealing with the outbreak, I decided to set one up for Glossop.
"Covid-19 mutual aid groups are being started up and down the country, as grassroots organising platforms which allow communities to support each other at this time of crisis - the response from Glossop residents is fantastic!
"It's clear that people are refusing to 'keep calm and carry on' if that means leaving the most vulnerable at the mercy of this pandemic, and there's a real desire to reach out and make sure no one gets left to suffer."
Alongside other admins, the team have managed to create a group which is safe, respectful and fosters idea sharing, allowing anyone who joins to feed in their own strategies to best support their neighbours.
The group has also been working with other organisations to help spread useful and hyper-local information.
"We're so lucky in Glossop to have The Bureau who are coordinating volunteers in a wider capacity, and if any of your readers (especially those who are DBS checked and/or own a car) want to volunteer they should contact Fi at The Bureau.
"If you're concerned for yourself, a neighbour, or if you just want to make those connections ready for the upcoming weeks then the Glossop Covid-19 Mutual Aid Facebook group is one way to start."
For more information, you can request to join the group by searching "Glossop Covid-19 Mutual Aid" on Facebook.
Train operator Northern will be helping racegoers gallop to the Grand National festival at Aintree this week, with extra trains running to get customers safely to the races and back home again.
On Friday night in front of a record local crowd of nearly 700, Glossop North End Community Club’s 1st team claimed its first “Open Age” silverware in dramatic fashion.
Extra trains running for racegoers to the Grand National
Bag a Vivienne Westwood
Glossop mum gears up for Boston
Cup delight for Glossop
