Paula outside her favorite shop in Southsea
Paula outside her favorite shop in Southsea

Earlier this year among the measures put in place to deal with Covid-19, the government took the decision to suspended this years council elections. Due to take place this coming Thursday they will now happen in May 2021, we wanted to catch up with some of our local campaigners. Today we caught up with our Milton campaigner Paula Savage:

 

What have you found most challenging….and the most positive things in lockdown?

I’m missing my weekly visits to the independent collectible shops like Tango Tea in Southsea and all the shops along Albert Road. One of my favourite places to visit during my daily exercise is the lock at Milton and watching the swans on Lake at Sun set. I’ve also been part of the Portsmouth Corona Virus Support Group which now has a Mutual Aid Hotline and its been inspiring to see everyone helping those in need in our communities.

 

What have you been doing in the community to support others? Have you been inspired by how the community is coming together?

 

Not being able to see my sister Jayne whom is in the vulnerable category is heart breaking. Making sure that my teenage daughter is getting enough daily exercise. Not seeing my dear friends who I am missing immensely. Zoom calls are great, but not the same. The postponing of the local elections was a real disappointment to me, as I strongly feel that we need more eco warriors helping to steer the council into a more sustainable and greener direction.

 

The ‘saving grace’ of this awful pandemic, is the obvious change to the environment. Cleaner air, clearer sea, less traffic-safer roads. Being able to hear the birds instead of the constant drone of passing traffic is music to my ears. The real sense of communities coming together and helping each other is truly wonderful. Having more time to prepare healthy dinners and be the creative soul that I am.

 

If you could nominate a local business who’s been helping or keeping the community going who would yours be? 

 

Being one of the co-founders of the (Portsmouth Corona Virus Support group) has been most rewarding, with over 9,000 members on social media and now with ‘Mutual Aid’ hotline set up, helping those that slip through the net on a daily basis with ad-hoc needs, working and helping as part of  this phenomenal team of volunteers has given me a real sense of pride.

 

Who would you nominate as a community hero during this crisis?

 

Landport Community Centre run by Enable Ability who are providing food for vulnerable and isolated people. Relying solely on volunteers and donations of food and money. This amazing group of volunteers have supplied nearly 2000 hot meals in and around Portsmouth.

 

What are you looking forward to after the lock down ends? 

 

I can’t wait to see my family and friends! I’m also excited about the future and the drastic cut to air pollution in the city that we must now build on!

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