OVER the last year the toll of the coronavirus pandemic has stretched far beyond the physical impact of the disease, with lockdowns, shielding and isolation affecting many people’s mental health. Some have found their confidence battered to the point where they are reluctant to resume routine activities like shopping or meeting with friends. In Skipton a new organisation has emerged to help, with assistance aimed at gently re-acclimatising people to familiar activities while enjoying life outdoors. The Ground Yourself in Green project has grown from the Skipton Step into Action group, which was appointed as a community support organisation by North Yorkshire County Council at the start of the pandemic.
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SKIPTON Step into Action has been awarded charitable status less than a year after its formation thanks to the tireless work of volunteers throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Most recently, volunteers have stepped in at Skipton General Hospital vaccination clinics assisting on car parking duty and transporting residents into the clinic. Since March, last year, they have been providing services such as shopping, collecting prescriptions and running errands. The group was set up to support those who are self-isolating, senior citizens and vulnerable people who do not have anyone they can call on for help. Skipton county councillor Andy Solloway, a trustee and volunteer coordinator for SSIA said: “We are over the moon to become a registered charity which opens up new funding opportunities. Our success is down to the incredible group of volunteers who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic. “
AROUND 150 people ‘did their own thing’ this year for the annual Santa fun run which due to restrictions was forced to be cancelled in its regular format. Organised by The Skipton Craven Rotary, the Great Santa Virtual Fun Run was a slightly different model, but still was great fun for those involved. Rotarian Colin Hargreaves, chairman of the organising committee said: “We were naturally disappointed to have to cancel this year’s event especially given that 2020 would have been the 10th year that Skipton Craven Rotary had organised the fun run. “We decided that, to keep the event in peoples’ minds, we would go ‘virtual’ and encourage the people of Craven to complete a 5k course in whatever way they wished, in aid of our designated charity Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, and other charities chosen by the participants.