Next week it's Volunteers Week 2020! To celebrate and recognise the efforts of Nottingham's volunteers, charities and community/voluntary groups in response to COVID-19, we've teamed up with Nottingham City Council to set-up the #NottinghamStar campaign.
The campaign will shine a spotlight on the kindness and generosity which individuals and groups have shown to vulnerable people during the pandemic – and give those that have been supported the chance to say thanks.
As part of the campaign, a series of four postcards have been created, two of which have been designed by local artists. 40,000 postcards will be distributed by us and Nottingham City Council to community groups across the city. People are also able to download their favourite postcard image from the Nottingham City Council website and send them by post, email or WhatsApp, to a #NottinghamStar they would like to thank.
The #NottinghamStar could be a neighbour, friend, family member or volunteer who has stepped in to help by picking up a prescription or making up a care package for someone who is self-isolating or it could be a local community group or charity that has provided a regular food delivery or donated essential supplies to a keyworker.
People are also being encouraged to get involved by sharing the postcard images on Facebook and Twitter, tagging the person they’d like to thank and using the hashtag #NottinghamStar.
Jules Sebelin, Deputy CEO and Head of Business Development at NCVS, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on us all but what has been a shining light in the darkness is the amazing efforts of individuals and groups who have provided a lifeline to the most vulnerable people in our communities at this unprecedented time.
“They are all stars and this Volunteers’ Week we felt it was important to say thank you to them. We hope the #NottinghamStar campaign will help raise the profile of all those amazing people who have selflessly supported their community at this difficult time and give others, who have benefitted from their support, a great way to express their gratitude.”
As part of the campaign, Nottingham City Council will be releasing a thank you video on social media from Councillor Rebecca Langton, Portfolio Holder for Communities. A thank you letter will also be being sent to Nottingham’s community and faith groups.
Councillor Rebecca Langton, said, “For many people, it’s been at least 10 weeks since they started shielding. We can’t underestimate how hard that has been for people, especially if they live alone or have no friends and family to help.
“In the face of this hardship, the way Nottingham community groups and individuals have rallied to help has been formidable. We have seen a much-welcomed return of community spirit and neighbourliness, as people have gone the extra mile to look after each other.
“Whether you’ve stepped up to support a family member, a neighbour, or you’ve formally volunteered or been a part of the efforts of community and faith groups, we just want to say a huge thank you to every #NottinghamStar who has helped others.”
To get involved:
Choose your favourite postcard and download it here:
http://www.mynottinghamnews.co.uk/nottinghamstar/
-
Send it privately by email or WhatsApp to the person you’d like to thank
-
Share your postcard image publicly on Facebook and Twitter, tagging the person you want to thank and using the #NottinghamStar hashtag in your post, you can also tag us @NottinghamCVS in your post.
