19.05.20 Newsletter no.8

Lissenden carers say ‘thank you’ for what you’re doing  -

Thank you for continuing to follow the Government’s recommendations on combatting Covid-19. It hasn’t been easy, but it makes a lot of difference to some of the very people we clap for every Thursday evening – Lissenden Gardens’ own carers.

Parliament Hill Mansions:  Rachel, a 37-year-old live-in carer for a housebound resident of Parliament Hill Mansions, says: ‘I want to bless the people on my stairway for what they do.’ Cleaning the bannisters and door handles makes her feel much safer, she says.

     ‘When I am walking up the stairs I don’t feel so worried. Before, I was always thinking about who had touched the surfaces and whether I might pass something on. Not now.’

Rachel, who is from Uganda, adds that the Clap for Carers and the music on Thursday evenings also lifts her spirit. ‘It makes me feel that people appreciate what others do – putting themselves on the line doing a council job.’

Lissenden Mansions:  Jolanta, from Poland, and Kasia, who normally lives in Scotland, are another two carers managing to cope with generosity and selflessness.

Kasia, who has been a carer for one of Lissenden Mansions’ oldest residents for almost two years, was joined by Jolanta last August so they could provide 24-hour care. Before the lockdown they could take the person they care for on outings or to visit a café for coffee and cake. Now they are reluctant to expose her to any risks and the outings have stopped.

Clevedon Mansions: Elizabeth, from Uganda, who is one of two carers providing 24/7 support for a seriously-ill resident in Clevedon Mansions, says she hopes that people ‘stick to the rules’.

The person she is looking after is very sensitive because of her illness, she explains. ‘I wouldn’t want to pass on the virus.’

The Clap for Carers is something that keeps Elizabeth going too, she adds. ‘It makes me feel very grateful.’

The fact that bannisters, handles and letterboxes are being disinfected is also a good thing, she says. ‘You don’t know how many people have touched them.’

Like the other carers, Elizabeth, who is 56, can’t go back to visit her own family.

‘They are very worried about me, but I tell them I always wear a mask when I have to shop and I stand six feet away from other people.’ She is also grateful for us doing the same.

Support your front-line staff on Thursday with a new song

In addition to singing ‘Lean on Me’, Lissenden’s young musicians will be performing ‘Let’s Work Together’, by Canned Heat on Thursday at 8pm. We think the title sums up where we are with the coronavirus and you can see how it goes on YouTube. If it’s not raining, we’ll be walking around singing so please be patient. STAY ON YOUR BALCONIES or at your doors. Please sing along when we pass by. The chorus goes something like: 

‘Let’s work together, come on, come on - let's work together…

Because together we will stand, every boy, girl, woman and man’

Music for your balconies 

Since last week, we’ve carried out two more back-garden concerts and a contemporary dance exhibition. If you’d like a back-garden concert, or a short stairway recital, contact Frank on 07757 706419.  

Anyone for tennis?

Life may not yet have returned to normal, but the Tenants’ Association committee has re-opened the tennis court for Lissenden Gardens’ residents, and we can now use the court as long as we follow the Government’s simple Covid-19 rules. The council cleaned the court on Tuesday morning, and disinfectant and wipes have been left by the committee so you can sanitise the gate handles and notice board to keep players safe.

Please check out the Tennis Court page for booking details, rules and regulations.

Would you prefer to get this newsletter electronically?

We’re going to continue to post this newsletter through people’s door to ensure everyone can keep up to date with what’s going on in Lissenden, but if you’d prefer to get it electronically, email: newsletter.lgta@gmail.com.

Thanks to Nicky for printing the newsletter.

If you have any suggestions for the next newsletter, contact Frank: 07757 706419.