Rye Mutual Aid (RMA) continues to go from strength to strength and have widened its net still further. A recent initiative was to contact local schools to offer help with fundraising for additional supplies (cleaning etc.) and with the supply of masks for both staff and pupils, particularly for times they are unable to maintain social distancing.
On a similar theme, ideas are being discussed about potential additional side projects which would help the wider community which would be outsourced to others for day to day management, while RMA would oversee the projects and offer background support.
If anyone has any ideas or suggestions for relevant local projects that would be complementary to the work of RMA, please get in touch via ryemutualaid@yahoo.com.
The sewing group continues at a steady pace with over 500 masks given out to both RMA volunteers and members of the community. Teams have handed them out from Jempson’s in Rye and Peasmarsh as well as from the Co-op in Winchelsea Beach.
Donating materials is vital
There has been huge support from the local community and, as the masks are coming in quicker than they can be distributed, RMA is looking to increase their distribution capability. Also on the agenda for further discussion is a re-visit to the subject of public transport where more passengers are now using masks.
As a reminder, duvet covers, sheets and bed linen are always in demand to be transformed into PPE and if you wish to donate material you will find a galvanised dustbin just inside the main entrance of Jempson’s in Rye where you can leave your donations.
You can not miss it as it’s directly opposite (to your right by the cigarettes and newspaper counter as shown below) to where you collect your wipes for cleaning your hands as you enter the store.
The saying what goes around, comes around really is true in RMA’s case as it has recently given an amazing £2,500 to the Rye Food Bank – community support at its very best, a fantastic achievement, and a welcome boost to such a vital service both now and ongoing.
Back at RMA HQ new, automated data-extraction tracking systems are in place and being used by all the dispatchers including in the newest zone- Westfield- who are all set up and running well.
The listening support team continues to support those who are suffering emotionally at this time and, whilst initially the most common request was to collect shopping, now, in the majority of zones the collection of medicines and prescriptions is the most requested service.
Helping vulnerable neighbours
It is known that in some of the 21 zones, not all, a large number of people are informally helping those neighbours who are in the shielded / vulnerable category. In one Zoom meeting between volunteers “it seemed that everybody was helping someone in some – way – picking up a prescription, a cottage pie a loaf of bread or just a phone call”.
Some of those volunteering have reported how they have benefited too, by expanding some skills, and gaining self-confidence and self-esteem. It has also brought citizens into contact with a wide variety of people whom they may not ordinarily have met and have experienced things they would not normally have had the opportunity to take part in.
It is always important not to lose sight that in any volunteer activity the role is clear with dealings kept respectful and inclusive. RMA has strived to get that right.
RMA has also been busy in a variety of additional directions, engaging with various groups in Bexhill with a view to bid for funds specifically for food and assistance for those suffering with reduced means under lockdown.
In addition it is in dialogue with our local MP and Rother District Council about flagrant breaches of social distancing in places such as Camber over last weekend but, in short, apart from some signs and words on social media, there was little impact.
For further information and updates follow RMA on its website.
Image Credits: Niki Stuart , Nick Forman .
So grateful to all these amazing helpers. Thank you.