As Kenilworth and the rest of the nation continue to emerge from the last 15 months of social restrictions, an emphasis is now being placed on safely returning to normality.

Nowhere is this truer than for the Covid-19 Support Kenilworth Group which is now rebranding as 'Compassionate Kenilworth'.

Compassionate Kenilworth is all about supporting and encouraging vulnerable people in the town to safely return to community events once again.

Having cared for the most isolated members of the community throughout the pandemic, the registered charity has become well aware of the new challenges that such people face.

Chair of Compassionate Kenilworth Pauline Hayward said that volunteers have seen how some residents are now nervous about going to events again.

"We have seen that a lot of people have become nervous about leaving home," she said, "so we are turning it on its head now.

"Compassionate Kenilworth takes over from the Covid-19 Support Group's work. The focus is now to encourage, motivate and provide the opportunity for people to go out.

"So many have become scared, nervous, and need a little bit of motivation and help in getting out and reconnecting with the world and reconnecting with other people."

The group will be working with GP Practices, local charities, organisations, churches and local businesses, the group will continue to support the most vulnerable members of the community.

With over 1,700 people already subscribed to the group's online mailing list, it has already begun advertising its first few events, including the 'Fitness in the Fields' classes.

Thanks to Lloyds Bank, a talk on 'avoiding money scams' will also be held in August to help protect residents from fraudsters.

Compassionate Kenilworth has already organised a number of taster events to gauge local interest, including seated exercise classes, 'knit and natter' groups, and the Warwickshire Rural Community Council 'Chatty Bus'.

Pauline said that the early results were very encouraging.

"They have been really well received. Some people were really nervous when they came to the first one, but then with the second and the third it has become easier for them to come out and meet people."

Moving forward the group is also looking to build an online calendar of local events for elderly people to get involved with. Volunteers will be asking residents to submit events to compile into a much bigger list.

Residents can also submit suggestions for events they would like to see.

Compassionate Kenilworth is also looking for new volunteers, in particularly to assist in the running of gentle short distance walks which are run weekly by local GP surgeries.

Pauline also said that all residents can lend a helping hand by ensuring that family, friends and neighbours are told about the charity's services.

This is especially true of residents who do not have access to the internet.

Pauline said: "The struggle that we have is that there are around 500 residents registered with us who aren't online, so printing and delivering emails to each of their houses is just a major challenge."

Contact Compassionate Kenilworth on 01926 919340 or email [email protected]