Before the Covid-19 lockdown, every weekday morning Jeanette Samways would log on to her computer terminal at Mansfield Civic Centre and spend her working hours supporting council tenants with special needs.

Now the Mansfield District Council housing management specialist support officer and her housing department colleagues find themselves in a very different support role — as part of the council’s Covid-19 Community Support Hub to ensure the needs of vulnerable people are met during the coronavirus crisis.

These days Jeanette (above, left), along with colleagues Kerry and Richard, are more likely to be found helping to distribute daily food parcels for the homeless at The Beacon Project.

They also make deliveries for local food banks to assist people in the district whose health problems or age make them so vulnerable they cannot leave their homes and risk picking up coronavirus.

Not everyone has family, friends or neighbours who can help. It is these very isolated people who the council has been reaching out to — sometimes daily, sometimes weekly — delivering food and medications.

Jeanette said: “It’s been really heartwarming to be part of this huge community effort in Mansfield. It makes you realise what a kind and friendly place it is with everyone pulling together to make sure no one slips through the net in terms of care and support.

“As well as making a change from my usual job — which I still do from home in the afternoons — I am proud to have been part of these Community Hub efforts and making a difference during this very difficult time for some people.”

Jeanette and her colleagues are among around 10% of council employees who have had their normal roles redefined to meet the current local needs during the crisis.

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Another among them is Kam Britland (above). Anyone who has ever visited the Civic Centre will probably have met Kam as one of the council’s customer services advisers.

With the Civic Centre closed, Kam was redeployed and her communication skills put to best use; she has been helping Mansfield CVS by being a befriender to people feeling cut off and isolated during the lockdown.

“I’m just trying to do my best and figuring out ways to help others in managing their fears about both their mental and physical health — as well as my own,” she said after being recognised by the CVS during the UK’s national Volunteers’ Week.

“It has been very humbling hearing people’s stories. For some, we are the only people they get to speak to in a whole week. It has made me feel fortunate to be able to make a small difference in the community in such unprecedented times.

“For me, appreciating the simple things in life and giving something back to the community is key. I also do some volunteering work in my spare time.”

Meanwhile community groups have also been refocusing their efforts to address local needs during the crisis.

Among them is Ladybrook Enterprises, a registered charity, which operates from and manages Ladybrook Community Centre (William Kaye Hall), offering activities and services to help people in the area to improve their lives.

Boosted by a donation from the council’s Community Response Network Fund, its Help at Hand Mansfield project is currently supporting 46 people who are shielding. They have each been allocated a volunteer who calls weekly to arrange shopping, the collection of medications or to offer telephone support for emotional needs.

Volunteer Linda Nixon said: “The people I help know they have someone friendly who will call them and help find a solution to their needs. Since retiring, it has helped me to help others who are shielding, and it provides me with exercise.”

Sharron Reynolds, chief executive of Ladybrook Enterprises, added: ‘We have been blessed with some great people who volunteer. It has been a privilege to speak to people ringing for help and hear their stories, too.”

Councillors, too, have been doing their bit to support the community. Coun Craig Whitby teamed up with other councillors in Mansfield Woodhouse and the Peaceful Trust Charity to form the Focus Point Community Support Network.

Coun John Coxhead has been working with Naaz Indian Cuisine Restaurant and Victoria Tandoori to provide free meals for frontline workers including ambulance crews, NHS staff, the police and fire services, and teachers. Postal workers, schoolchildren and frontline council staff have had a few treats, too.

Where to find help or volunteer

www.mansfield.gov.uk/coronavirus/communityhub
Interested in volunteering — go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/coronavirus/nottinghamshire-coronavirus-community-support-hub
Mansfield CVS can also help at www.mansfieldcvs.org