The Spirit of Chichester

Our Chichester Key Workers

First and foremost we want to celebrate and thank the many invaluable people working so hard to support Chichester. From the incredible NHS staff working tirelessly under difficult conditions, to the front line workers in supermarkets, pharmacies, the police and other essential services, putting their own health at risk to help support the community during this time. We thank each and every one of these warriors from the bottom of our hearts for their hard work and the many sacrifices they have made and are continuing to make during this time.

A sign for the times

Well known for their creative shop front displays which celebrate significant moments, Buzby and Blue hair salon has put up morale boosting messages of love for the Chichester community and to show their support for key workers. They are also asking all children to paint a rainbow which will go on display in the shop window. Just post your picture through their door.

Free accommodation for NHS Workers

The Vestry in Southgate is generously offering their hotel bedrooms to NHS staff needing accommodation through this time. The rooms will be available free of charge as a thank you to the NHS and the wonderful work they are doing. Their hotel in Arundel is also running the same offer. Please email: [email protected] with any questions.

Free bus travel for the NHS

Stagecoach is giving all NHS workers free travel on any of their bus services when shown a valid NHS ID Card.

Stagecoach south east managing director, Joel Mitchell said: “We’re proud to be providing lifeline bus services needed for our community’s key workers. We’ve built and adapted our revised timetables around the needs of these key workers who are at the front-line in the fight against this virus.

At times like this we have to look at what we can do to help make a difference and ease the pressure on people who are doing such an incredible job.”

The Four Streets Project

Thanks to the kindness of local businesses including Marks & Spencer and Purchases, food has been distributed to homeless, vulnerable and hungry people in Chichester via The Four Streets Project. The initiative is run by a group of volunteers, made up of local residents who work together to provide nightly support to homeless people on the main four streets of Chichester. Click here to find out more.

Giving back to the community

As part of their 11th anniversary rebrand and to celebrate the beautiful city they call home, Estate Agent Tod Anstee is pledging to plant one tree in the local community for every completed transaction they undertake post COVID-19.

Making scrubs for NHS Workers

Chichester Festival Theatre have partnered with staff at Chichester College to make much-needed scrubs for the NHS, helping GPs, Care Homes and others throughout the Chichester district.  The technical team at CFT have been printing out the templates to distribute to the many costume makers who would otherwise have been making costumes for the company’s shows. Visit the Go Fund Me page to help them purchase more material needed to make the scrubs. You can also follow Chichester Scrubs Group on Facebook for more information.

Nominate your NHS hero

Chichester Harbour Hotel & Spa are giving away 250 complimentary two-night luxury getaways, including dinner and breakfast, to NHS heroes nominated by the public.
To find out how to nominate click here.

A blue light serenade

As part of the weekly #clapforcarers event, Chichester’s police officers and fire fighters have been serenading NHS workers with a line of cars and fire engines outside St Richard’s Hospital to give their thanks to NHS staff.

Going above and beyond

Many local businesses and individuals have been going above and beyond to help support our local community and key workers at this time. As an example, we received the below email about The Richard Tildesley Practice

“I just wanted to make you aware of the excellent service that the above opticians have provided to us, specifically my wife – a hard working midwife at St.Richard’s hospital, whose glasses frames broke last week and she was in urgent need of a repair. I made an urgent plea to Paul Strickland at the practice who, subject the the severe restrictions at this time, was able at short notice to make the repairs necessary and help my wife work effectively. This was very much appreciated by both of us.

I just wanted to highlight this excellent out of the ordinary service at difficult times which has really helped a key NHS worker.”

3D face masks for the NHS

Noviun Architects are utilising their 3D printing technology to provide vital facemasks for frontline NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They will be providing up to 300 3D printed facemasks a week for NHS staff to use.

Chichester Cathedral lights up the city in blue

On Thursday 30th April Chichester Cathedral was lit blue to recognise the contribution made by front-line health workers and the NHS. In line with the national #ClapForOurCarers, the special event took place at 8.00pm, with generous support from Chichester Festival Theatre who provided both equipment and professional expertise. The Dean of Chichester, The Very Reverend Stephen Waine, said: “The Cathedral is visible from many miles around, including from Chichester’s own St. Richard’s Hospital. We hope this sends a message of support to all of the carers and health care professionals working so hard within these unprecedented times. From our homes we pray for you and your families – as well as all those affected by this pandemic.”

Rolls Royce deliver Hog Squad meals to NHS workers

Rolls Royce is currently finding ways to put its fleet to good use locally for good causes. They got in touch with Chichester At Home to find out how they could offer support to food producers.

Chichester At Home is a new website set up to support independent retailers while helping people stay isolated and get what they need. They put the message out to its listed retailers and Chichester Hog Squad responded. A premier hog roast & catering company it has recently turned its hand to home deliveries of meals. Jon Plater is the culinary force and owner of the business and had the idea of offering meals to NHS workers.

A delivery of 50 meals by Chichester Hog Squad was made by Rolls Royce to the hard working staff on G5 at the Queen Alexandra hospital in Portsmouth.

A rainbow to lift spirits

Grace Hair & Beauty had originally planned to put this rainbow balloon display in their window but instead donated it to Bognor War Memorial Hospital for staff and patients to enjoy. The tribute was installed by Love From Hollie and both have made donations to the NHS.

Charity competition with Winter’s Moon

Winter’s Moon, who have recently opened a shop on North Street are running a ‘Help the Helpers’ Fundraiser raffle to win one of their Bell Bottom Table Lamps worth £148.00, in your choice of colour & lampshade.

All money donated will go to two local charities: My Sister’s House a local women’s centre supporting victims of domestic abuse, and The Trussell Trust who run the Chichester Food Bank.

To enter:

Buy a £2 ‘Win a Lamp’ raffle ticket at www.wintersmoon.co.uk . You can buy as many tickets as you like, each one gives you an additional chance of winning.

The giveaway ends Friday 15th May. The winner will be announced Sunday 17th May. UK entrants only.

Rainbow windows

We’re so proud to see all the rainbows appearing in shop windows to honour the NHS and keyworkers, including  Proposals Bridal and The Richard Tildesley Practice.