Mansfield council workers swap roles to meet needs during coronavirus crisis

Jeanette Samways (left) and housing colleagues have ensured food parcels were delivered to the homeless housed by Mansfield District Council.

Housing department colleagues at Mansfield District Council have found themselves in a very different support role as part of the council’s Covid-19 Community Support Hub to ensure the needs of vulnerable people have been met during the coronavirus crisis.

Before the lockdown, every weekday morning Jeanette Samways would log on to her computer terminal at Mansfield Civic Centre and spend her working hours supporting council tenants with special needs.

In her role as a Mansfield District Council housing management specialist support officer, some days she would find herself helping a tenant with an alcohol or drug problem or mental health issue. Other days it could be helping a family with rent arrears.

These days Jeanette, along with colleagues, are more likely to be found helping to distribute daily food parcels for the homeless at The Beacon Project or making deliveries for local food banks to assist people in the district whose health problems or age make them so vulnerable they cannot leave their homes and risk picking up coronavirus.

Jeanette said: “It’s been really heartwarming to be part of this huge community effort in Mansfield.

“It makes you realise what a kind and friendly place it is with everyone pulling together to make sure no one slips through the net in terms of care and support.

“As well as making a change from my usual job – which I still do from home in the afternoons – I am proud to have been part of these community hub efforts and in making a difference during this very difficult time for some people.”

Jeanette and her colleagues are among around ten per cent of council employees who have had their normal roles redefined to meet the current local needs during the crisis.

Council customer service advisor Kam Britland’s has been a befriender to people feeling cut off and isolated during the lockdown

She said: I'm just trying to do my best and figuring out ways to help others in managing their fears about both their mental and physical health – as well as my own.

“For me, appreciating the simple things in life and giving something back to the community is key.”