Northern Ireland

Charities team up to capture spirit of communities during coronavirus pandemic

Bronagh McKeown, chairperson of the Voices of Covid Project with Patricia Trainor of PIPS Hope and Support and Gavin McGuckin of Maire Curie. Picture by Columba O'Hare/Newry.ie
Bronagh McKeown, chairperson of the Voices of Covid Project with Patricia Trainor of PIPS Hope and Support and Gavin McGuckin of Maire Curie. Picture by Columba O'Hare/Newry.ie Bronagh McKeown, chairperson of the Voices of Covid Project with Patricia Trainor of PIPS Hope and Support and Gavin McGuckin of Maire Curie. Picture by Columba O'Hare/Newry.ie

Two charities have teamed up to try to capture the spirit and resilience of communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

Contributions provided by members of the public will be published in a book expected to raise funds for PIPS - Hope and Support and Marie Curie.

Patricia Trainor of PIPS - Hope and Support, which helps people impacted by suicide, said “undoubtedly there will be an increased demand for mental health support services in the months ahead as the full impact of isolation and lockdown hits home”.

“This is a one-off chance to leave your imprint on this extraordinary time.

“We are extremely grateful for the submissions already provided by people in public life including the First and Deputy First Ministers."

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Gavin McGucken of Marie Curie, which provides support to people coping with terminal illness, said: “2020 will be remembered across the world and for generations to come for the devastating impact the coronavirus has had on the health of both nations and people.

“Families have been bereft of much loved relatives but alongside this there have been daily reports of countless inspirational and uplifting acts of kindness taking place within local communities.

“We want to capture some of this heroic local effort for future generations”.

Submissions can be emailed to voicesofcovid2020@yahoo.com by the July 13.

They should be no more than 250 words and include contact details. If under 16 evidence of parental consent will be required.