Ashfield District Council has been working to ensure the district’s most vulnerable residents are supported during lockdown.

The council’s Health and Wellbeing team have been working in partnership with Ashfield and Mansfield Dementia Friendly Community Partnership to support local people living with dementia during the lockdown period.

It has put together activity bags, known as little bags of sunshine, to bring some fun and enjoyment to people whilst they are isolating.

The bags offer a selection of activities including colouring sheets and pencils, games, puzzles, arts and craft materials and a carer’s pack to help carers relax and take five minutes to themselves.

Jane, from Happy Days Group Care Dementia support group, Kirkby, said: “Thank you so very much on behalf of our wonderful clients at Happy Days for your kindness in delivering the lovely activity packs, you have brightened so many people’s day. We are so appreciative of your beautiful gesture.”

So far the bags have been delivered to over 100 local residents, many of whom are members of local dementia support groups that are currently unable to operate due to the restrictions.

The council is also working with First Art, providing the Everybody’s Home activity kit to residents living on the Leamington Estate, Sutton.

This follows on from a piece of community engagement work, delivered by the Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Partnership started in the area, before the lockdown was introduced. The Everybody’s Home Kit has been specially designed by First Art and is packed full of resources to offer some fun and light relief, as well as ways to connect people with their communities during lockdown.

Coun Kier Barsby, Cabinet Member for Health and Leisure, said: “These packs are fantastic and include plenty of activities to keep the kids busy for a few hours.

Over the past few weeks the Council’s Feel Good Families project have also distributed nearly 300 activity packs to families in need of resources to keep their children occupied during lockdown. These have been distributed via local schools, NHS Link workers and the council’s Complex Case team.”

The council has given out an additional £10k in grants as part of its Community Fund, £600 of this was donated to purchase nappies for families in need of these for their children as part of the fun

Coun Barsby continued “Our teams have been doing some fantastic work over the past few weeks to ensure that the Districts most vulnerable are supported. It’s been a difficult time for young and old alike and I am proud of the work we have done throughout our communities.

For more information on support available during lockdown visit website www.ashfield.gov.uk/coronavirus