Call goes out for Hartlepool to share your Covid-19 stories - how you can help create permanent record of pandemic

Hartlepool Borough Council held a virtual launch for the project called Let The Story Be Told which aims to capture and record individual’s and family’s experiences of the coronavirus crisis.

People are asked to send in pictures, videos, songs, poems, memories and new skills learned that have helped them cope during lockdown.

They will be used to create a permanent record of Covid-19 in Hartlepool in online galleries and blogs as well as physical exhibitions over the coming months.

A new play inspired by people’s input will also be commissioned and performed at the Town Hall Theatre next year.

The project has already received support and backing from the Love Hartlepool campaign and Middleton Grange shopping centre.

At the launch Chief Executive of the Council Gill Alexander said the virus had changed all of our lives.

She said: “It has been extraordinarily hard for people, but has also shown that in Hartlepool in so many ways that at times like this the community comes together.

"It seems to us that so much of what has happened to us over these last few months, so much of what we’ve experienced together is something that we need to start telling the story about.”

Maxine Craig, voluntary chair of the Love Hartlepool initiative, shared a video of her garden which has helped her cope with the worries of the virus including the risk her own loved ones.

She added: “I have been so proud of the people in the town and so proud of all our health services and essential services that have kept the town going.”

Mark Rycraft, manager of Middleton Grange, who has learned to ride a unicycle in lockdown, said he fully supported the initiative and offered to use the shopping centre to showcase some of people's contributions.

Council Leader Councillor Shane Moore said: "I really do look forward to seeing and reading and hearing your stories.”

People can contribute to the project on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hartlepoolcouncil, via Twitter to @HpoolCouncil, on WhatsApp to 07980 785301, or by email to: [email protected]

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