Messages of hope lighting up York
Local charity York CVS are delivering decorated lanterns and jam jars with notes of support.
Last updated 16th Nov 2020
Messages of hope are being spread across York as charity workers aim to light up lockdown.
Local support charity York CVS are sending out decorated lights in jam jars and lanterns, with handwritten message of hope, across the city to show that people are not alone during lockdown.
Christine Marmion-Lennon from CVS said: "We were discussing about how going into a second lockdown could be quite challenging, especially with the nights getting darker at this time of year.
"It came from a small conversation that grew into something much bigger, as we knew we could make lanterns and spread them around the city quite quickly. The response has been great.
"The process of making the lanterns and doing something therapeutic has also been a good boost for wellbeing. It's a voluntary effort from the staff at York CVS and the link workers at some of the GP surgeries, and anyone else who wants to help out can do.
"The hope is that, as it grows, people will be able to walk the streets and see these lights. Hopefully they can feel that sense of community and being connected to other people".
Lucy Kitson from the York Medical Group has been working with Christine on this: "I live just out of York in a little village, and my neighbours have started to put little lights on trees. It's lovely to see whenever you drive past.
"This lockdown is going to be tough because of the dark nights, and we need to bring some light into the darkness. We'd seen that some countries in Scandinavia were doing similar things with lights as they have long Winters, so we took some inspiration from that".
Christine added: "We think this is just the beginning. Let's keep it going; anything to raise spirits can only be a good thing. We don't have an end date on this project, especially as we head into the New Year".
People can donate items or find out more details here: lightuplockdown@yorkcvs.org.uk