A CHURCH leader has been ensuring the Kendal community has been supported during the difficult time posed by coronavirus.

Jonny Gios, leader at Gateway Church on Highgate, Kendal, helped set up Kendal’s self-isolation support group in response to the pandemic.

"It was a joint effort between myself, Kendal ICC and Kendal Emergency Planning," said Mr Gios.

"It was originally me and Tom Rumsey, we were both saying we needed something in Kendal to support people."

The group managed to recruit 180 volunteers, and offered emotional and practical support to those who were isolating.

He also organised several courses to help the community with finances and mental health, and has future schemes planned as people find themselves financially disadvantaged as a result of coronavirus.

Last year Mr Gios set up 'neighbourhood chaplains' with his wife Pamela to tackle loneliness by recruiting volunteers to befriend residents, as well as offering a 'helping hand' in the form of work such as gardening and decorating.

"Mental health is a priority of mine, especially young people's mental health and helping people practically," said Mr Gios.

Mr Gios also undertook activities through his church, running mental health webinars on Youtube throughout June and July.

And he also created a money course to try and help people manage their money during this difficult time.

“It’s just helping in any way, I’m passionate to help people in our community of Kendal," said Mr Gios.

“We’ve got some fantastic organisations of people who have stepped up.

“I want to do my bit because I love Kendal and I love the people of Kendal.”

Mr Gios knows first hand the toll coronavirus can have on someone, having contracted the virus in March.

"For anyone who has experienced something, you are able to highlight that issue.

"If that's a bereavement or if you've recovered from cancer you want to help people who are going through that because you know first hand."

"I'm very thankful for the NHS."

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