Better Days by Yvonne Roberts
Today is the day to mark the anniversary of entering UK lockdown and in remembrance of those who have died during this past year. It must also be a time to reach out to those who have survived. Everyone knows one of the 125,000. Behind every name are the bereaved’s family and friends who are left to grieve and think of what would have been. Plans that were being made which have been dashed. People who have spent a lifetime together but were separated at the point of departure.
Someone the other day asked me “How are you?” I felt guilty because I have survived ‘unscathed’. Some have lost loved ones but some survivors have contracted the virus. They have been hit by its effect to a greater or lesser extent. A couple of days in bed. Extended comas running into months. Shortage of breath or loss of senses. I explained my quandry and he simply replied:
“There are 2 camps, some have flourished and some have not, in the past 12 months.” I can step into either camp but we must make sure that the sacrifice of the 125,000 is not lost.
That made me think.
13 months ago I initiated the Reflections Project. Delivering a course to young people by beneficiaries from our flagship programmes – IGNITE and Float your Boat - blending the older young people with the younger old people. Blending their life experiences and their boat project experiences to support and inspire the next generation. It would culminate in a cruise to commence my retirement.
Our boats have not moved for 12 months. That period has created a Reflections Team of those young people, who have been supported and who have supported each other throughout the lockdown by zoom. It has created a development team who have moulded themselves into a strong foundation to move forward as we approach the end of the tunnel (whenever that may be). Blending their skills and experiences to ensure the long-term stability of Canal Connections CIC.
I remember, today, my son, who is part of the NHS family who have given so much over the past 12 months. He uses quotes very effectively with some of his photographic images – one particularly resonates today: “Do not take away a person’s HOPE. It may be all they have.”
I remember today the simple request from our Community Partners, at the beginning of Lockdown when I expressed our inadequacy at the lack of boat use…”Be there for us when this is over.”
This past 12 months has brought communities closer together. We must ensure that solidarity is not lost.
The team within Canal Connections CIC have responded to that simple request. We cannot wait to fulfil it.
Illusion by Yvonne Roberts
Credits: Written by Trevor Roberts, Images by Yvonne Roberts.