Book of Memories Birmingham's memories of COVID-19 Birmingham has experienced difficult and emotional times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as a city we are coming out of this crisis stronger, as our local communities have worked together to help make a difference. Birmingham’s book of memories is designed to help us remember all aspects of the city during these unprecedented times and to be thankful for the good that has been brought into our lives. We know the devastating impacts the pandemic has brought to our lives, everyone in the community has been affected in some way by COVID-19. This is a space where you can remember, whether you have lost a loved one and want a space to share their lives and the impact they had on the world or a neighbour has gone above and beyond to help you. This virtual book of memories is here to help, we want to hear your stories. Fill in the details below with your name and your story in the comments section. Your memories will then be posted below for everyone to see and read your COVID-19 memories, stories and tributes. These will eventually be turned into a hard copy and be kept in the Birmingham City Council archives. All comments submitted will be moderated before publishing, so please ensure you have permission to post before sharing any content on this page. Make a comment Name: Email: Comments: Verification: There are 46 responses to “Birmingham's memories of COVID-19” Christina Gingell Says: 17/10/2020 I found Covid very difficult being furloughed since 23 March. Unable to work from home and the isolation from family and friends. I lost my husband In July 2018 then my dog Lily a week after my husband of 48 years marriage. My part time work helped me cope in 2019 also losing my best friend my Mom in February 2019. So after coping being at home in lockdown was very difficult. But each day when I would be working I did a small project to keep occupied. Downsizing clothes, sorting out 50 years of photographs into albums, painting new garden fence, keeping weeds at bay and the sunshine helped. I also made sure I walked every day. Anyway I will be 70 at Christmas and would have had my Golden anniversary party on 31 October in memory of Pete. I have taken redundancy. My two daughters have helped with Zoom WhatsApp chats and playing quizzes online with me. That’s about it. I’m sorry for all people out there suffering and the amazing NHS clapping Thursday’s when a few neighbors took the trouble to partake. These are my memories of Covid 19. Be safe all and take care. Chrissie xxxx Ayesha Ali Says: 24/08/2020 My mum was admitted at QE hospital Birmingham. She was tested positive with COVID-19. 2 days later I get a call from the nurse looking after her, my mums breathing has deteriorated and shes being taken to ITU. My mum was in ITU for 22 day. She was on the ventilator for 14 days and it took her 9 days to come back around and wake up. All I want to say to all the staff at Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital, I can never ever thank you enough for you help, support, patience and determination whilst treating mum. Thank you for everything you put into bringing my mum back to me. She still speaks about all the Drs and nurses and how they would say "shameen, if we was allowed to, we'd give you a big hug." Thank you NHS and Thank you Birmingham QE. Kimberley K Mckenzie Says: 31/07/2020 During my time living, working and volunteering in Birmingham, I can honestly say people’s positive and loving energy has not changed. The streets are more empty and public transport remains reliable and timely with drivers urgent passengers not to run for the bus and to ensure they wear there mask before entering with most if not all complying. I have had to cancel my kids birthday vacation to RUDA but the kids are very understanding and have heard of so may lost in families both natural and Covid related within the elderly community its saddened he as most of these individuals are love by so many. WOW!! a lot of parties and events really didn’t happen this year but still we give thanks for life and for the coming future. Jenny Cooke Says: 29/07/2020 I'm an engineer on the railway and before lockdown I had two big projects underway and a lot of travelling. I found the first few weeks an anxious busy time helping my team adapt to the rapid change to working 100% from home (other than site visits). Birmingham's ChaplaincyPlus network were a real godsend during this time, with a real sense of community meeting online to pray, a new Christian meditation group and a sense of equipping Birmingham's business community to care for our people and help the whole city thrive. I've come out of this with a renewed sense of purpose in helping both people and nature to thrive, and a deeper connection to the natural world too from many walks in my local wild places. Jean Sewell Says: 17/07/2020 My husband Earl Sewell died on the 16th March 2020 in city hospital from coronavirus. He was loved by myself, sons leon and lloyd and daughter Iñ law hayley and granddaughter Ariya and his brothers and sister and many friends. He was looking forward to our son's wedding in July which is now postponed till may 2021. Only 6 could be at his funeral where many more would have wanted to attend. He was loved here and in jamaica. He was a loving man a gentle giant. Zulfya Karabayeva Says: 11/07/2020 My whole family and me were struck by Corona which was hard to deal with. My husband and me are both working in care, so we were working through pandemia. My husband lost his mother (not from COVID- 19) during this time too, she was buried in Norway where she used to live. It was no planes as we were in lockdown, so his 3 brothers and him had to make very emotionally and physically difficult journey through Holland, Germany and Denmark to be able to say last farewell. Palak Dhore Says: 07/07/2020 My Memories of Birmingham during Coronavirus Being a quaran-teene(sorry for the pun) is hard. As a student, I had to go through with online learning. Online learning was an interesting but not so good experience. The positives were that I didn't have to wake up as early as before, I still woke up relatively early though. However, my classmates and I didn't really like the workload, it was a bit too much. Also, due to online learning work being posted on google classrooms, it became hard to ask questions about work. We could still ask questions but the time it took for teachers to get back to us and many other things made it very hard. Despite all that I kind of enjoyed not comparing my work to others. I would see other people's marks normally and it did make me upset when I didn't do as well as them. In lockdown, I can't put myself down by comparing myself to others(one of the few positives). I know very well if I didn't have to do this I would make coronavirus disappear in a heartbeat but it was an interesting experience. I think that now I have gone through this experience I am stronger and I can do anything if I put my mind to it(as cringy as it is). I look forward to seeing my friends in September face to face( no device in the way) for the first time since March Palakthebest x Narender Kaur Says: 04/07/2020 Covid is a terrible thing, but has made us think a lot more about things we didn’t have time for. It’s sad that change often happens because of disaster, and the pain of this condition sounds terrible. Walking to Boots opposite New Street Station in the first few weeks of Lockdown, I took photos of the boarded up shops, and it felt surreal, because you want some things to stay the same, but they can’t, as everything changes. Most people have been doing the right thing, and I hope our city doesn’t suffer too much. We might even have a new lease of life, with new ideas of how to live and work together, and redevelop old skills. This city’s changed so much, since it was a village, Roman times, the world wars, prosperity and growth, and now this. AJMAL Says: 03/07/2020 Wednesday 1st of July 2020 gave me the opportunity in my professional capacity Community Care Assistant based at Heartlands Resource Centre to be part of a team distributing food packages across Birmingham for it's residents who registered for additional support, because they were vulnerable due to a medical condition, and they had no other means of accessing food during COVID-19 pandemic and were in isolation. Knowing I was part of a team who worked together and made a difference to individuals and families felt very rewarding. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of these efforts. AJMAL. Iona Mandal, 14 Says: 01/07/2020 MY BIRMINGHAM MEMORIES OF COVID -19 The Covid-19 lockdown has undoubtedly been one of the most surreal experiences for me so far in my existence of fourteen years on this planet. With school closing with hardly any notice, masks becoming an item of everyday attire, myself even celebrating a lockdown birthday, it is certainly something I never thought I would see. Never in my life have I been so conscious of my health and wellbeing, washing my hands after every half hour, treating hand sanitisers and toilet paper rolls as luxury. At times it feels like a scene from an apocalyptic Hollywood blockbuster, but I know, this ‘new normal’ as we call it now, is here to stay! I am so grateful I survived when many of the loved ones I know lost this battle. The past four months have been a huge learning curve for me, much beyond textbook learning in school. I have adapted to new circumstances, delved into hobbies I did not have the time to try before, reconnected with old friends, stood on my doorstep every Thursday at 8 pm to clap for our healthcare heroes and participated in virtual events which made up for physical distancing. It brought me closer to my family, although often spending weeks together without breaks left us miserable over petty arguments. I made ice cream for my parents and we even sat down together to write a script for us to perform later. One of my everlasting passions has been creative writing - especially poetry. I was fortunate enough to have extra time for this, attending online poetry salons hosted by literary festivals, participating in Facebook live poetry workshops, and even working on my Silver Arts Awards remotely. In doing so, I got my creative juices flowing, even when I felt I had no inspiration and will, these kept my idle brain going. In my own way, I brought in some joy in these times of misery. I read bedtime stories from picture books for young children and even wrote a poem which got selected for a poetry anthology called Creative Kids, proceeds from the sale of which in Amazon is raising money for the NHS. But it is important to acknowledge the hardships COVID-19 has brought us too. Families have been separated, many lost their loved ones, their jobs, and small businesses, and the self-employed are really struggling. I am grateful to not have experienced any of these awful circumstances. However, this pandemic and the lockdown has certainly made me value the power of compassion and community spirit which for me is the new mantra for survival. Just as hearing about the number of deaths in different countries has been nerve-wracking, I saw hope when Cuban doctors travelled to Italy to help support the crisis, when healthcare equipment was shipped abroad to nations that were desperate, or even in simple act of kindness like leaving food for elderly neighbours at their doorstep or opening the doors for the homeless. All this makes me proud as a citizen of this world and reinstalls my faith in humanity. There is light at the end of the tunnel as they say, and this too shall pass. To anyone reading this, however many years in the future, I hope that such times of crisis never hit our planet again, and if they somehow do, to remember that there is an end to every struggle. I thought it would be nice to end with a few lines I wrote during the lockdown: War against a ghost, obscured yet conspicuous. Evident in deserted streets, and supermarket traffic. Let the limitations be blessings, the constraints, a source of ventilation. An inch closer to the reset button, to herald in a green revolution. Mohamed Ali Hussein Says: 30/06/2020 Since Corona Virus pandemic has being begun i ve been isolating in my home and i didnt even visit my family and friends either way to keep myself and stay away in case to promote for this killer virus and unless to leave home i should go out to have a important reason so to keep yourself and also other it is crucial health and safety regulation that gives NHS and other health organisation board such as GB Practice and most important factor are to keep your self as a result should not spread until in this pandemic virus to be over.On the other hand i keep my grass very often it is my favour things to cut them as occasionally. in conclusion you should keep yourself in this difficult, stay home as long as you can and stay home as you not gets the virus Debbie McKenzie Says: 29/06/2020 Dear COVID 19, Hope you go away soon, you've been an unwelcome gate crasher into my world or so I thought. Initially I was in a panic, I didn't stop cleaning, cooking and walking and not necessarily in that order. I'd been on leave for 3 weeks which was probably good for me as I cannot imagine that I would have been any good or in the right state of mind. COVID 19, COVID 19 - Gave me time to pause; Gave the world time to pause. First thing I noticed was the birds were louder, neighbours smiled more - wanting to connect. ZOOM - people were ZOOMING everywhere - I'm still not convinced, not sure if I really like the fact that people can have me enlarged on their screen. Family - I missed my family, I missed the teenage chatter of granddaughters and the hugs - being touched by people I love.. The pause ended with a man being killed on another continent, Black Lives Matter, Black Lives do matter. The pain of centuries of oppression poured out, maybe the beginning of healing - statues pushed over of men who had been wrongly honoured. The world is waking up. COVID 19 - Your were an unwelcome visitor, you have sadly killed so many of us - But I am glad for the Pause and pray for a different world because the old one...well not sure how to put that into words - I just know I want different, I want equality and I want forgiveness Nay Says: 29/06/2020 In Lockdown I feel as If I have had the opportunity to learn new skills - Lockdown has taught me to be more patient and grab every opportunity life gives you as you don't know when they might come to an end. I am very thankful for Key workers and teachers as they have helped many patients with COVID-19. Thank you to everyone for making the most of the situation. Karen Wade Says: 28/06/2020 My Husband, two younger Sons and myself have been in lockdown together. I feel strongly that it has brought us together as we now feel much closer than we did before lockdown. At the same time as being scarily uncertain times with the pandemic they have been precious times spent together keeping each other safe and well. Something I will never forget, and will always be grateful for. Shabnam shahin Says: 27/06/2020 I woke up one morning outbreak in China people are dieing in hundreds, next minute it’s spreading in UK schools are closing, work places, shops and eating places closing. Don’t touch, wash your hands keep your distance, fear in talking to a person, seeing a bloom future. Turn on the news coronavirus the next day turn on the news coronavirus again and again. Our life started to run on coronavirus can’t see family isolated from the world. All Now we are back and running Everything opening life is coming back Kamran Hussain Says: 26/06/2020 As the CEO of Green Lane mosque, I could see that the closure of the mosque was a cause of real anguish for many, particularly our elders, for whom the mosque is an integral part of their daily life. However through adversity, God can bring much good and opportunities for us to help others. As an organisation we had to evolve in order to meet the demands of the community. It was refreshing to see staff, volunteers, partners, suppliers, other faith groups and the wider community come together to help support the fight against the coronavirus. Some of the activities we were involved in included: • Our Funeral Service partnering up with Central Mosque Funeral Service. The team facilitated close to 100 burials over lockdown. • An essential Covid-19 food delivery service for the vulnerable and those isolating. We had over 150 volunteer drivers and packers and delvered over 1,000 food packages! • Our foodbank was open all week and was an essential service to many living in poverty. With service user numbers quadrupling over the period. • An NHS PPE campaign with Loft25, mobilising over 900 volunteers for the production of free PPE for the NHS, producing over 6,000 items. • A new listening helpline for those needing to talk to someone while isolated at home. • Working closely with Birmingham City Council to get clear health and safety messaging out to the community. • Working with over 30 mosques to agree joint statements tackling issues pertinent to the community, such as cremation and burials. • Another campaign with Loft25 for the production of one million masks. Through everyone’s efforts, we saw the true essence of community spirit. We saw how the community rallied round to help the weak and vulnerable. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seek out the vulnerable among you. Verily, you are only given provision and support due to your support of the weak.” So the mosque may have been closed but we witnessed an amazing sense of ‘community spirit’ this year. One of true God consciousness, selflessness, sacrifice, charity and patience. Sometimes tough times draw people and communities together. And hopefully we will come out of this with a greater understanding and respect for each other and an appreciation of how faith organisations are an essential part of the fabric of our society. Carole Lowe Says: 24/06/2020 I am a community worker in the south of Birmingham and when I was informed that I had to shield due to an underlying condition it broke my heart that I could not carry out my usual role of supporting people in my community but working from home I have been able to use my skills to find out what support is available to help people during the pandemic so although I could not see people face to face I was able to e mail local people vital information . It has been very rewarding and has given me a focus for my ‘at a distance ‘community work. I have only been able to see my family & friends on a video platform so my community work has kept me busy . Northfield Community Partnership , Bournville Village Trust , B31 Voices , B30 foodbank , Allens Cross Community Centre , Bournville Hub, St Francis Church , Lifehouse, Riverside Church and many more voluntary and community organisations and volunteers in the community have come together to support those people in our community who have been shielding or isolating or need extra support. This has been a very sad time for those families who have lost someone to COVID19 but frontline workers have saved the community. Doctors, nurses, porters, other NHS workers,paramedics, delivery drivers, cleaners, refuse workers, postal workers, those workers not furloughed and many more people deserve recognition and thanks for keeping our communities going during this pandemic .I count my blessing everyday that I never caught the virus and for my community here in the south area of Birmingham. It restores my faith in humanity to see so many people being brought together through these challenging times . Jefferson Parker Says: 24/06/2020 I go to a music festival (Bearded Theory) each year at the end of may, but at the beginning of this year I was diagnosed with lung cancer so, because I was bedridden at the time, I requested, and got, a refund of the ticket price. As it turned out, the festival was cancelled due to the pandemic, but on the weekend it was due to take place my family decided to surprise me and decorated the back garden with bunting and fairy lights, set up a sound system, chopped up some wood for our fire pit and chimeneas and got the barbecue going. My wife then told me what a beautiful day it was and how much better I'd feel sitting in the garden soaking up the sun, and, after a bit of umming and arring on my behalf, she helped me out of bed, got me washed and dressed and then took me downstairs to the back door. When she opened the door I couldn't believe my eyes; I felt like I was back in one of the fields at Catton Hall waiting for the bands to play. Once I was parked in my wheechair I settled down to an evening of excellent company, music, food and alcohol. When the sun finally went down we lit the fire pit and chimeneas, the fairy lights came on and it was magical; our own little festival and a weekend to cherish. Donna Webster Says: 24/06/2020 A poem from a 13 year old and his mum,,, Lockdown has its ups and downs Shaun Carter Says: 23/06/2020 As a carer for my elderly disabled mother, we went into isolation before the government started the lockdown, as we could see what was going to happen. It meant alot of hard work to protect us from the virus, as even if I caught the virus, it would mean I could not care for my mother anymore, and I might pass the virus onto her. So we stayed indoors constantly, and away from everyone. It was a struggle at first such as with getting online delivery slots for the shopping, to get my mother placed onto the governments vulnerable list, to change our prescriptions with the GP so they could be delivered, and for my mother to receive an emergency food parcel. We had to wait to get medical face masks due to a shortage, but luckily I had bought a good respirator just a few months before for when I was doing DIY at home. Everything took longer as we had to think how to do things remotely either online or by phone, to change our behaviour, to stop people coming to the house, and even to clean everything coming to the house such as post and shopping. We have never caught the virus, but we continue to be strict in our behaviour even as the lockdown has almost being lifted. Each day we would see the news about increases in infections and deaths and wonder what would happen next. We could see the delays in the lockdown caused by the government, and we realised just how selfish and stupid some people are with such things as hoarding of supplies like toilet rolls, going to tourist attractions despite a lockdown, and failing to keep a distance from other people. But we also saw good people trying to help others, and we would always clap each Thursday in support of the NHS and care staff. Our health has suffered staying indoors constantly, and we still fear a second wave of the virus could happen, but we just hope that life will start to return to normal and we can start to go outside again without being in fear of our lifes. Pete Gale Says: 23/06/2020 Thinking of everyone that has lost loved ones, but also thinking about the community being brought together, neighbours helping each other and getting to know each other a bit better, people volunteering in many different roles across the city. Stay Strong Birmingham and keep up the community spirit! kim Rogers Says: 19/06/2020 In March/April I showed Coved-19 symptoms myself ,having to self isolate for 14 days from my family was tough but I ploughed through it. I returned to work mid April were I had to deal with Covid-19,residents and clients. This was a challenging time. PPE was available all the time and going through the procedures when dealing with Covid. The shopping experience was extremely frustrating, people stockpiling on toilet rolls and pasta ,leaving nothing on the shelves. I had also booked a mini Easter break to Belfast with my daughter but the flights were cancelled and obtaining a refund has been an absolute nightmare. I joined a covid care group on facebook and reassured people that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and to stay strong and positive through the pandemic. Also being an avid Football fan, i have missed the Premier league games but Netflix has come useful with a variety of films to watch. The Thursday night clap for Carers. I enjoyed this as the whole of my community came out to clap and cheer and it was a great atmosphere .I was also know ledged being a frontline worker myself by the neighbours which was lovely. Sadly ,I have also had to deal with deaths through this covid pandemic, residents and a dear friends Mom who sadly passed at my workplace. This whole Covid pandemic is precedented.I have never ever experienced anything like this. It has been challenging ,emotional, frustrating and at times very hard work. Lockdown was tough but I did learn to get by and stay strong for myself, friends and family without this crisis. Gail Carron Says: 13/06/2020 Many people are sharing some pretty wonderful stories. I wanted to add my story as I've been Shielding now since Mar 13 2020, so 14th week of lockdown has just begun. I had my b'day, alone, behind closed doors. But this has, largely, been my life for the past 20 years as an agrophobic anyway. I have also had severe COPD and Cor Pulmonale (Heart failure) for 10 years, so I had a letter from Govt telling me to shield (I was already and have been told to remain doing so despite the rest of England opening up again). I've been so very thankful for my Chemist, who has made sure I have my meds no matter rain or shine. Plus those wonderful people who delivered a food parcel to me for the 1st 12 weeks (until I knew the Supermarkets were coping with the amount of increase in online shopping). I cannot thank the delivery drivers and Posties enough, who have tirelessly worked to ensure I could continue with my crafting hobbies. Plus all the small businesses that are carrying on regardless. They have kept my spirits up and my hands busy :) For the First time, since my mental illness became entrenched, I feel people now understand how my life has been a little more. I actually feel more normal! I'm extremely fortunate that I live next door to my elderly, shielding, Mom, so my grocery deliveries have helped her out too. We have kept safe and shall continue to do so for many months. Washing hands after deliveries, anti-viral cleaner on packets and boxes coming in too. I have noticed a lot more eye contact and smiles from people delivering lately. I hope it's because they have begun to know their worth. Hopefully successive Govts will continue to see the worth of our nurses, doctors, paramedics, care workers, lorry drivers, cleaners, refuse workers and posties long after Covid-19 is done with. They're long overdue the recognition for keeping the cogs of the Country turning . Joanna Dervisoglu Says: 13/06/2020 The first week of lockdown saw a 1,000% increase in food parcel requests via the charity NewStarts where I work. Overnight we went from providing a standard ambient food parcel that would provide 3-4 days of food to food parcels contains not only ambient foods but fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh milk and bread and fresh or frozen meat in our Covid 19 parcels that provide food for 5-6 days. It is an absolute privilege working for NewStarts and continuing to support local families and individuals in this time of crisis. Kerry Robinson Says: 12/06/2020 Our lives can get very busy & it’s easy to overlook things. During this time I have been able to spend 100% of my time with my little boy & lots more quality time with my husband. During this time my son has learnt to walk, say new words & found a love being in the garden. We have had lots of fun & made some priceless memories that this time permitted us. Barbara and Peter Murray Says: 12/06/2020 We lost our very good neighbours and friends Janet and Bert Gamble to the dreadful Coronavirus in 2020. We knew this lovely couple for over 44 years. They will be very sadly missed. They always took time to stop and chat to everyone. Rema Says: 12/06/2020 This crisis has brought out the best and the worst in people. There are those who spat on key workers, refused to obey social distancing rules, fought off the elderly and stockpile toilet rolls or medical supplies. But there are others who bring a warm glow to my heart. They work tirelessly in the hospitals and care homes, go shopping for the vulnerable, spare a kind word for the shielded, supply or make valuable PPE. Even the young lady who gives up her place in the queue at GP surgery for an elderly man with a Zimmer frame. When all this is past, who will be remembered by posterity, I wonder? Andy cotterill Says: 12/06/2020 Please god stop all these dreadful diseases on our planet. I hope we can all be better people and learn to live with each other. Now is a time for everyone to come together and gather world piece. thankyou to every single NHS key worker for what you are all doing. you will never be forgotten,along with our friends who lost there battle, With this dreadful disease. God bless the nhs, And RIP to our long lost friends. Rosemary Morroll Says: 12/06/2020 My husband and I are both on the vulnerable list and have been grateful to son who has had to go to work each then got shopping we needed on his way home and also to Asda who gave us priority slots for shopping ..I thought we would have had many arguments but have been fine 99% of the time ..hopefully be allowed out by end of June but until then we will be watching the birds and squirrels in the garden Angela Tomlinson Says: 10/06/2020 Remembering my brother Mark Tomlinson, who sadly passed away on 1st April due to COVID -19. Age 45. Mark was a popular member of the irish community in Birmingham . Mark was a ray of sunshine and loved by all who new him x Anni Bagnall Says: 09/06/2020 I can't thank Tesco staff enough as I am shielding due to pre-conditions, without them, we don't what we would do regarding food. I am very scared to leave the house but don't have to face that until after 30 June. I am pleased we have a garden because at least I can 'have some therapy'. The first 2 weeks of lockdown was not a good time for me, I sank into deep depression but thankfully I have recovered. Jill Crowe Says: 09/06/2020 Mom, Betty Allen, went into hospital 6th April and unfortunately passed way on 1st May. God bless mom and thank you to all the NHS staff who took care of her, kept us informed and were there at the end. It was difficult having so few at the funeral but we plan to hold a memorial service later in the year to celebrate her life. Barbara Platts Says: 09/06/2020 One thing that is more contagious than Covid 19 is a smile . I go out every day to take my dog for a walk I smile and stick my thumb up to people I see and we often talk about the most popular subject in this country the weather ! It is amazing how once you have said hello to someone you can have a chat about all sorts of things . Often my walk which is supposed to be for an hour extends to two due to the chats I have ! In these isolating times these sort of activities are essential and make me feel less isolated and i hope it has the same effect on the people i talk too and of course listen too also . Bonnie Janiak Says: 08/06/2020 The virus had a devastating impact on myself and family of 7 brothers and sisters...we were unable to all go to the funeral of our Mom in April. we were limited to only 6 mourners which caused a tremendous amount of heartache when 2 brothers were locked outside the gate. Janice Blanchette Says: 08/06/2020 Whilst i have missed my family, i have found that the imposed lockdown has enabled me to strengthen my relationships near and far. We struggled initially, as mental health services we were to access suddenly stopped, but we became stronger for spending so much time with each other. We have made new friends, got to know our community and exercised more. Working from home has improved my work life balance immensely, not having to drive to an office is refreshing. I hope that we do not go back to pre lockdown days, i hope we take this time to reflect and make changes that give us a better life, environment, better work time and play time. shebina gill Says: 08/06/2020 We lost our mother Janet Beatrice Azam RIP on Easter Sunday 12th April 2020 to Covid 19. On reflection to the whole experience during this uncertain time the stress of work, home status and bereavement is overwhelming. In our Moms memory we have to move forward but now without her leaves us with a deep sadness. Judy Daniels Says: 08/06/2020 Strange times we are living in. This has helped to bring our Close/Road together we celebrated VE day with each other in our front gardens, everyone decorated the street and we had a lovely day. Many Birthdays have come and gone and trying to help we celebrated at a distance My Mother's 88th and my Grandson's 16th Birthday were partially hard as we are a close family. We had an addition to the family a granddaughter 04/06/2020 will be garden visit this week. Tring to be positive and making the most of the life we are allowed hoping we can all reunite quickly if we all follow the rules. Stay safe all. Rachel Watson Says: 07/06/2020 As a teacher for Birmingham Adult Education Services, I had to continue teaching my English GCSE class on-line which was a big learning curve for myself and my learners. What helped was the support the group gave to each other and how we could share and help those who were struggling through this difficult time. It also highlights that learning can continue and can help us make sense of things. Brenda McGuire Says: 06/06/2020 Our family have lost our precious Mom to Covid 19 at aged 93. Molly Robinson came over from Dublin aged 17 and settled happily in Birmingham. Molly loved to be with people. Through her natural kindness and compassion she became well known throughout Bartley Green. It was sad that so many were unable to attend her funeral and to share with us Mollys departure from this world. Molly leaves behind 5 children and 6 grandchildren who were all blessed to share in Moms life. Carol Dealey Says: 05/06/2020 Although we have been very busy at Quinton & Oldbury during this period and saddened by the difficult circumstances of many of our clients, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local people who have given a great number of donations which have allowed us to feed those in need Mark daniels Says: 05/06/2020 well I think if and when we get through this period, I hope the NHS staff and all the key workers are not forgot for how they worked through this. I am an NHS UHB volunteer , and a NHS responder. Trying to show my support for them and help the community. Its nice to see the community, businesses etc pulling together to provide help and support for both staff, patients, and vulnerable people. YNWA Michael French Says: 05/06/2020 Our neighbours fed us royally throughout Ramadan and especially at Eid. I have been proud to live in such a harmonious, multicultural area and city , especially seeing what is happening nationally and internationally. The bin men haven’t missed us once, the paper has been delivered every day, and there is a lovely elderly lady whose house, in Blakesley Road, I pass on my walk most days who has got the most wonderful collection of flower planters on her tiny terrace area. Bostin Patricia Hodgkins Says: 05/06/2020 We have a family run children’s day nursery situated in marston green Whilst I have not been able to be there due to age and sheilding my husband my daughters have keep The nursery open for key workers children . They have been working through the lockdown often 50 hrs a week and beyond in order to keep the nursery open and safely accessible . We are very proud of them and the one member of staff supporting them through this difficult time Mariana Plamadeala Says: 05/06/2020 My name is Mariana, I am born in Republic of Moldova, I present myself as romanian from Moldova and I live in Birmingham since 2014. During the pandemic times, together with my colleagues from RUDA association, we have conducted LIVE interviews on our facebook page with inspirational people from Moldova and Romania who live in England (but not only) and can share their inspirational stories. We also conducted LIVE interviews with NGOs like East European Resource Centre, Work Rights Centre to inform correctly the romanian citizens living in UK. On the top, we supported homeless people ( romanian nationals) with advice, food, and application to Universal Credit, EU settled status. These times has shown to us how united we are. Manuel Perez Says: 05/06/2020 I'm Spanish, I have lived in Birmingham for 7 years. I normally go very often to se my family in Spain. It's been hard as I supposed to have gone there in April, my fly obviously got cancelled. Now we dont even have idea when we will be able to see them, Birmingham has a very wide variety of nationalities, and like me most of them have to stay apart from their families during this time. Andy Craddock Says: 05/06/2020 Having the opportunity to promote motivation and inspiration during these challenging times, interviewing Olympians, Paralympians and inspirational people from all different backgrounds from around the UK and the world, sharing their stories and experiences to support people in lockdown across the globe. 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