Response to Covid crisis
Response strategy to Covid 19
In lockdown 1, Maymessy volunteered by making home made snacks and care packages for the NHS in Oxford from March to June 2020. We supported over 90 critical care staff who were isolating in a hotel away from their families by providing weekly homemade healthy snack bars and treats.
“Dear Alice, Tilda and Maymessy Team,
Your cookies tasted like home and as I am away from home, you made this period a lot sweeter. Thank you for this, you made all the difference”
NHS Covid 19 staff
We provided Easter care packages to NHS staff working in the Covid 19 ward at John Radcliffe, staff the Churchill Hospital including the respiratory and pain department, and weekly donations to the staff and parents at the Oxford Children’s Hospital. We also provided care packages to Wantage fire service.
“I can’t even tell you how grateful staff were this morning for your delivery/care packages. We really appreciate it.” We even had tears!”
Manager of Respiratory Team
I am very grateful that Maymessy was nominated and recognised as a volunteer hero by our MP David Johnston for our hard work during Covid 19 lockdown 1 supporting NHS Oxford.
In lockdown 2, we were able to run a series of cooking on a budget classes for families in the Wantage Corona support group who were struggling financially.
We had the first four mums in, for a series of 5 cooking classes, in November 2020 and they were absolutely fantastic, wholeheartedly throwing themselves into the course.
“We cant wait to taste dinner. Thank you so much Anna for letting me come and learn how to cook.” Jodi
In Lockdown 3, all events and cookery classes were sadly closed. But… that did not stop us!
We ran a zoom Valentines biscuit making workshop to the charities Be free young carers, FAAAZE and YoCO who come to Maymessy . This was run by Kirly Sue, a vegan expert chef for Maymessy and it was recorded and distributed to local charities.
We were also able to run a charitable event for the Faringdon Group for the charity YoCO during February half term. Outdoor meetings were held by the youth team leaders as well as BBQ, outdoor tennis and pingpong in the wind and rain. A well needed break from screens and positive mental health gained.
“We had so much fun on the tennis court, even though none of us could hit the ball straight” Tom - young person at Youth Challenge Oxfordshire
“I know he really valued the time there and he was able to catch up with his friends. I think you made the kids’ half term!” Mum of Tom
