Leeds group uses art for its Covid campaign

Colourful infographics containing key safety messages are being distributed across Third Sector Leeds’ vast network of not-for-profit groups.

The key campaign message, which has been created by Voluntary Action Leeds, is based on a slogan called FACTS. It stands for Face coverings, Ask people if they need help, Clean your hands, Two-metre distancing and Self-Isolate.

The idea behind it is to reinforce public health messages and to encourage friends and neighbours to help out those in need, while keeping to the rules.

The poster also bears the advice: “If you don’t want to catch it or pass it on, assume everyone has it.”

Chris Hollins, chairman of Third Sector Leeds said: “What we are saying is it is people and communities who have made the difference over the past six months, and it’s the people of Leeds who will make a difference in the future.

“We just wanted to make it easier for people to get involved, with simple straight-forward messages, which is why we are using the term FACTS... follow the facts.”

A series of images have also been drawn up to highlight the issues young people are facing. The artwork by Tom Bailey, shows frustrations felt from being in and out of school and the uncertainty over the future.

Pip Goff, of Forum Central, which is one of the members of Third Sector Leeds, said they had got the funding from the Third Sector Outbreak Plan. They have been working with youth groups to help them have conversations about the issues and how best to address them in a positive way.

She said: “It’s the same with older people, there is a huge concern over mental health and loneliness and isolation. So what can we do that brings some joy and hope that makes people feel cared for, loved and supported by their communities?”

“We’re not saying anything other than follow the rules, but how do we do this with a bit of warmth and compassion? It’s the local connection.”

Pip added: “We are trying to humanize it and just make sure people feel a bit more empowered and a bit more connected.

The Forum Central official said they had been working with many groups, like the Getaway Girls in Harehills and sports and dance groups.

One of the pictures on the posters also talks about the importance of health messages being imparted by trusted sources like youth workers.

Pip feels that such messages have got a better chance of being effective than some of the national communications.

She said: “They key thing is it’s not just the message but who is telling you and who you are hearing it from.”

Third Sector Leeds boss Chris Hollins is also a firm believer in “word of mouth” and community resolve. He said: “They are the ones who can basically make the difference to this. It’s the communities who are really in control of this. They need the support of Central Government and the authorities to make it happen, but it is the communities who will really make the difference here.”

He added: “They can make the change and they can demonstrate the strengths and positiveness of the people of Yorkshire. They are able to grasp the situation and keep it in control. They can see the problem is out there, and with our help, they can make sure that we are all working in the same direction.”

BACKGROUND:
The power of voluntary action in Leeds was demonstrated within days of the start of the health crisis.

People responded in their thousands to a plea to volunteer for community hubs to help those in need.

Chris Hollins, chairman of Third Sector Leeds, said: “Back in the early days of Covid, by the joint activity of the local authority and voluntary organisations generally, there were 8,000 volunteers recruited within ten days. That shows, by people working together, how responsive we can be and how quickly we can move to make things happen.”

His comments were echoed by Pip Goff from Forum Central, the collective voice for the health and care third sector in Leeds. She said: “One of the things that has been incredibly powerful is giving different organisations the opportunity to talk to each other and to share what has worked and their ideas.”

She believes a joint effort between Leeds organisations and people can also help in doing our bit in the fight against Covid.

Pip pointed to the videos made by members of Leeds GATE (Gypsy & Traveller Exchange Gate) about the importance of wearing a mask, and initiatives by Dazl (Dance Action Zone Leeds). Chris and Pip also wished to highlight doinggoodleeds.org.uk, www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk and www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus for those wanting more information about the issues raised.