Showing the support given to isolated families during lockdown.
A new music video promoting the work of the Erdington COVID-19 Taskforce aims to direct vital support to the district’s most isolated and vulnerable residents.
The group’s reworking of the Friends theme tune – entitled We’ll Be There For You – targets those individuals and families who have remained cut off during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Taskforce is made up of a range of community organisations and voluntary groups, public agencies, councillors and volunteers. It has, to date, raised over £450,000 to help Erdington residents affected by the COVID-19 lockdown; delivering almost 10,000 food parcels and over 7,000 wellbeing activities.
But the group is now determined to seek out those people who have yet to receive help and are confident the music video can help reach them. Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer at Witton Lodge Community Association, which facilitates Taskforce operations, said: “We are aware, from conversations that take place during our weekly Taskforce meetings, that there are people out there – isolated individuals – who are unable to access mainstream support.
“There can be a number of reasons for this, such as a chronic long term health conditions, disability or poor mental health. Throughout the pandemic, such people have remained cut off from support services, have gone under the radar. But we are determined to not only reach these individuals but to give them the critical help and support they need.
“We hope the video will stir people to help us identify anyone in their community who may be vulnerable and isolated.”
Claire Marshall, Project Director at Active Arts, a member of the Erdington COVID-19 Taskforce, produced the music video. “We wanted to find an effective and fun way to communicate how people can get support locally,” she said.
“It has been inspiring to see how the different local agencies have pulled together to make a difference for people in need. At Active Arts we have a pool of talented artists through the Erdington Arts Forum that we can draw on and the idea for We’ll Be There For You flowed very quickly with these artists, supported by members of the Taskforce, getting behind the idea. As you can see it is a fun, catchy tune that gives a snapshot of what support there is.”
Singing lead vocals in the video – which features appearances from Erdington MP Jack Dromey, Birmingham City Councillor, Robert Alden and members from organisations like The Pioneer Group, The Active Wellbeing Society, Urban Devotion Birmingham and Erdington Community Volunteers – is Sandra Daniels.
“The Erdington Taskforce is a fantastic initiative, helping so many people in so many ways during what has been a very difficult time for many,” she said. “I was thrilled to get the chance to support them (with this project) and the work that’s being done.”
For contact information and details on the Erdington COVID19 Taskforce and to watch the We’ll Be There For You video visit here.
