In this context it is only right that I mention the role of the hundreds of individual volunteers or community champions who have come forward to assist in that process. Many of these volunteers are being coordinated by the Swansea Council for Voluntary Services, but there is a much more informal network as well.
Swansea has always been a city of closely-knit communities, but that has become much more prominent over the past few weeks. People have volunteered of their own volition to shop for their neighbours, pick up prescriptions and carry out other tasks for those unable to act for themselves.
The individuals who have been designated as shielded by the Welsh Government have the option of more formal support, but they are still benefiting from the help of those living around them. Others have not been allocated that status, but still require assistance and it is gratifying to see so many stepping up to help.
If there is one positive thing to come out of this crisis it is the way that people and communities have pulled together for each other. With many weeks of lockdown ahead of us that will help sustain us all.
Our gratitude too, goes out to the many unsung heroes working in the health service and in the caring profession, and other frontline workers in shops, the delivery drivers, and everybody who is helping us to get through this terrible time. We owe them all a great deal.
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