Anthony Leebody, Senior Finance Officer in Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, reached out to his neighbours at the start of lockdown. He set up a neighbourhood chat group to bring people together and help identify those who needed extra support.

Anthony along with his three young children posted 100 letters through their neighbours’ doors in Stepps. Anthony said: “From the letters we posted, 45 people joined the chat group. I also had phone calls from neighbours who were unable to join the group but were thankful I had passed on my contact details should they need any support.

“One neighbour expressed that they had health concerns in the chat and asked if there were any health professionals in the group. It turned out there was a nurse, paramedic and cardiology technician who were able to offer them advice.

“We also have teachers in the group who have been giving hints and tips to support those with children. Their input has been gratefully appreciated.

“I decided to start the group because you just don’t know what situation people are in and what support they have. It is an unprecedented time and some people are feeling particularly vulnerable.

“A lady in her 80s contacted me in tears after receiving the letter to say she was overwhelmed by our kindness. She had no family nearby and although the local church had been supporting her she said she was so grateful to have my contact details and knew if she needed anything she could contact me. I explained to her that it wasn’t just me now and that we had over 40 concerned neighbours who wanted to help out and make a difference.  I would like to think that by fostering community spirit and supporting each other we might have slightly eased the keyworkers’ workload.”