Community voices across the Cheshire and Merseyside region have come together to ask the public to Take A Minute.
The #TakeAMinute campaign is about highlighting the voices of those in our communities who are following protective measures. For their families, their friends, loved ones, our health services.
Footballers, actors, comedians, council workers, youth workers, parents, grandparents, teachers, nurses and firefighters are just some of the people who are sharing their thoughts as part of the ‘Take A Minute’ campaign, which has been devised by council and health partners across Merseyside and Cheshire.
Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure, Libraries and Heritage, said: “Everyone in our borough has had to make sacrifices, in one form or another, this year. But we each have key motivators that push us to keep going and keep doing right by our communities and health services.
“For some it’s about protecting loved ones, for others it might be about the impact of COVID-19 on our care homes. Maybe you’re aching to get back to the football, live music, a casual cuppa with a friend you’ve missed. Whatever it is, the quickest way to get back to that is to get through the next few months as safely as possible.”
Thatto Heath resident Paddy Hannon (pictured) took part in the campaign because they wanted to appeal to the community to play a vital role in reducing the spread of the virus. Paddy lost his dad Bernard to COVID-19 in April. They were both avid rugby fans and a big part of the rugby community in Thatto Heath, and loved getting together to watch St Helens R.F.C. at the Totally Wicked Stadium, at the pub, or at home around the TV.
Paddy said: “From something as simple as walking to the shop to buy a paper, my dad contracted COVID-19, became seriously ill and died within four days. He was 63.
“We all know that COVID-19 is still here, that it’s a much bigger risk to older people and people with underlying health conditions. All of us have someone in our lives who is more vulnerable to coronavirus.
“This is why I do the right things, it’s why I follow the rules. So that other people don’t have to go through the same heartbreak that I have. So that other families can get back to enjoying the things they love together, whether that’s rugby or football matches, live music and gigs, or eating out.
“Please take a minute today, to think about what matters to you the most.”
Take A Minute campaign centres real people and real experiences. It is not about giving advice or guidance. It simply asks everyone to stop and pause for thought – and take a minute to reflect on what the last few months have meant for them.
Through powerful video messaging, community spokespeople appeal directly to their communities to do the right things collectively, to get through this difficult time together – motivated by all those things that they have missed and are longing to get back to.
Take A Minute for Cheshire and Merseyside.
Please, remember to wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering wherever possible and make space from those outside your household or support bubble.
