Children chalk Glasgow streets in lockdown

Pre-pandemic, almost 200 young people were reliant on ERA for vital services including youth club, sports coaching, homework support, and activities for individual needs.  It was important that ERA could continue their work during the pandemic and adapt their services not only for regular users, but for even more families.  As Andy says, we are witnessing ‘a pandemic on top of a pandemic.’ Not only in Easthall, but across Scotland.  Lockdown has not only led to growing concern for children and young people’s mental health; but also emphasised an urgent need to address issues that impact mental health – such as poverty, drugs and alcohol, domestic abuse, stigma and inequality.

At the heart of Easthall Resident’s Association is a recognition of how important it is for children and young people to be able to communicate, identify and understand how they are feeling.  They are supported to share their thoughts and feelings in a way that is comfortable for them and with someone they trust.  Those values made ERA a perfect fit for the Tiny Changes Covid-19 Fund.

ERA Mental Health Champions organised a community chalk event, inviting children to join them in writing messages of positivity and hope on the pavements.

As luck would have it this was one of the few days of summer when it was ‘chucking it down’, in true West of Scotland fashion.  Undaunted, and armed with raincoats, chalk and smiles, families braved the wet weather to join in the fun.

Someone then wheeled out a speaker on a Morrison’s trolley and everyone sang and danced in the rain.

This became known as the ‘Oot n Aboot’ project and the trolley became a permanent transporter of sports equipment, arts and crafts materials, food and – of course – a speaker.