• Project Date: May 1, 2020
• Project Duration: On going
• Funded By: Various

Ormesby, which is in Redcar and Cleveland did not have any community groups so in May 2020 TVRA set up Ormesby Good Neighbours.

Ormesby, which is in Redcar and Cleveland did not have any community groups so in May 2020 TVRA set up Ormesby Good Neighbours as the area has a high incidence of elderly people living in relative isolation which has been exacerbated during the Covid pandemic.  Volunteers from the area came forward and a steering group was set up and began supporting people who were shielding with shopping, prescriptions and any other help or support that could be offered.

Thanks to funding from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Community Foundation Teesside, and AGE UK Teesside the group were able to buy and deliver 30 afternoon teas, 30 craft packs and 200 “Hug in a Box” boxes to residents nominated by friends, families, and neighbours via Ormesby Good Neighbours Facebook page.

The group also organised a socially distanced Scarecrow competition judged by Neil Green from BBC Radio Tees, held a photo competition, Ormesby Beautiful Garden judged by the Rita Lawson, TVRA CEO and held a virtual Halloween fancy dress competition judged by the Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland.  The community planned and designed 24 advent calendar windows across Ormesby and had a map for people to follow to see the windows.

A garden wildlife project was also held over 5 weeks which included bird watching, mini beast hunts and a socially distanced litter pick.

Moving forward the volunteers are harnessing the community spirit and the great work that has taken place over the past year which has built a solid foundation to develop future projects and initiatives. The Ormesby Good Neighbours group will ensure this work will continue long past COVD pandemic and leave a legacy for the future.