Virtual Services to Keep People Connected
From marking key annual events to celebrating civic pride, South Tyneside has embraced new and different ways of delivering services to help people stay home.
While 2020 has been a period of unprecedented challenges for everyone, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has also presented Â鶹ÊÓƵ with opportunities to find new and creative ways of reaching and supporting residents.
With people encouraged to stay at home as much as possible to help limit the spread of coronavirus, this has included a renewed focus on digital technology, bringing communities together, albeit virtually, in celebratory events and activities and delivering key services online wherever possible.
The year has also recognised the huge part that residents and businesses have played during the pandemic, through the hugely successful #LoveSouthTyneside and #ProudtoSupport social media campaigns showcasing the Borough's great community spirit.
The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick said: "This year really has been an extraordinary year in which the Council, and the communities it serves, have had to make an unprecedented shift in everyday behaviours to help keep people safe.
"Families and individuals - myself included - have been asked to remain at home as much as possible for much of the year, which in itself can be incredibly challenging.
"However, there are many positives worth noting including the spotlight it has shone on some of the fantastic efforts of individuals, groups and organisations in our Borough to help people stay home and stay safe during such worrying times.
"South Tyneside has always had such amazing community spirit and civic pride. Our communities are brilliant at supporting each other and it has been wonderful to see people coming together in activity shared across the Council's online platforms. However big or small, these good deeds and gestures really do make a huge difference."
Since the initial lockdown of March 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated not only the huge importance of Council services, but the value that people have placed on the support they received, from refuse collections to care workers and the many services that people don't often 'see', operating behind the scenes.
Residents also shared their huge appreciation of the Council's frontline staff, as seen in heart-warming drawings and photos giving thanks to waste collection teams as they worked hard to continue delivering essential services.
And, as part of the mass effort, communities pulled together to support each other. This ranged from the production of vital PPE to praise for volunteers and 'Clapping for Carers', highlighted through the Borough's #LoveSouthTyneside and ProudtoSupport campaigns on Facebook, Twitter and online.
Families and individuals were supported to stay home, with events, activities and celebrations moved online wherever possible.
These included poignant videos and messages including footage of the Mayor and Mayoress, Jean Williamson, to mark key events such as the 72nd birthday of the NHS, Anzac Day, Armed Forces Day, Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Srebrenica, VJ Day and the Council's most watched video of a piper on the roof of South Shields Town Hall for VE Day.
The Council's festive highlights - Christmas Lights Switch On, Christmas Carol Concert and library activities - also turned virtual, much to the enjoyment of viewers. The Council has also promoted its digital library services and hosted virtual storytelling as well helped to highlight the virtual attractions of partner organisations such as The Customs House.
Key public health messages, Government guidance and important service and safety information relating to the closures and reopening of facilities continue to be delivered on the Council's website and social media channels, as well as shared among public, private and third sector partners.
Council meetings have also been live streamed to ensure the democratic process could continue. This started with virtual Cabinet meetings as early as April so that the Council could carry on its vital work at such a critical time and still consider any statutory or urgent matters.
The Mayor said: "Despite everything that 2020 has thrown at us all, there is much to celebrate. The Council and its communities have risen to the challenges presented by the national emergency and demonstrated that flexibility and working together has never been more important.
"While the Council has adapted to provide services differently - albeit digitally as much as possible so that people can stay safe at home - it has continued to deliver the key services that residents rely on and value. It has also done this with tremendous support from local communities and for this we are most grateful."
Residents can see highlights of the year on Â鶹ÊÓƵ's YouTube channel at as well as on #LoveSouthTyneside social media: Facebook LoveSTyneside and on Twitter @LoveSTyneside