Norwich church couple bless their neighbours

A Gateway Vineyard couple in Norwich have had the opportunity to bless neighbours in their street last week as part of the 1000 Hours initiative and in response to the Coronavirus crisis.

Last Sunday night Lucy and Johann Groenewald delivered a self-isolation postcard to every household in Cardiff Road.

“The following day I received a card from one lady who offered to help me with getting things to people if they need it,” said Lucy. “Later during the day, a student who is not able to return to her family in France came to my door and asked if she could also help out. From this conversation we have been able to arrange having coffee this week as she is alone in her house as all her housemates have returned to their families.

“I had an older lady call me during the evening to tell me that she is still currently receiving her regular online Asda delivery to her door. She said she was worried about this not happening and being without food. She explained that she has told her son and daughter not to come up because of concerns they might catch the virus. I told her that if she needed anything she could call me and I think this was reassuring for her.

“It has been wonderful to see how something so small can prompt people to connect in a way that they may not usually,” said Lucy.

A WhatsApp group has been set up with 25 people in it – just under half the households in the street.

“People are offering advice around how to occupy time while in self-isolation, suggesting activities for parents with children at home, offering to pick up shopping or walk dogs where needed. We have people recommending ideas for how others can take care of their mental health at this time and generally offering beautiful encouragement to one another.”