Meet the South Shields carer making keyrings for key workers to spread a message of hope during the coronavirus crisis

A South Shields carer is on a mission to spread a message of hope to those working on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.
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With firsthand experience of working long hours in challenging conditions during the crisis, Rachael wanted to do something to give a boost to other frontline workers.

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Carer Rachael Duncan has been making keyrings to spread a message of hope to those working on the frontline of the pandemic.Carer Rachael Duncan has been making keyrings to spread a message of hope to those working on the frontline of the pandemic.
Carer Rachael Duncan has been making keyrings to spread a message of hope to those working on the frontline of the pandemic.

Rachael said: “It has been very difficult working in these unprecedented times.

“Work morale has been down, overworked, tired, but we all keep going in.

“I am very grateful that I still have a job to go to.

“I love my job, it feels very rewarding knowing I'm making a difference in peoples lives day to day.

Rachael Duncan is a carer at Garden Hill Care Home on St Michael's Avenue in South Shields.Rachael Duncan is a carer at Garden Hill Care Home on St Michael's Avenue in South Shields.
Rachael Duncan is a carer at Garden Hill Care Home on St Michael's Avenue in South Shields.
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“Since Covid-19 has been around, a lot of people have been on edge, or feeling down.

“So I decided to spend a little bit of my own money to cheer people up and give them a glimmer of hope for the future.”

So far Rachael has made around 100 keyrings handing them out to colleagues, sending them to key workers across the country and donating them to South Tyneside District Hospital.

Rachael added: “I just hope by doing this, it will put a smile on peoples face and let them know this won’t last forever.”

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