Today marks the launch of “The world stood still but we are still here” written by a group of South Ayrshire parents supported by Aberlour Children’s Charity’s Family Service. The families, many with learning needs, decided to support each other through the uncertainty and isolation of the first national lockdown, by writing a book about their unique experiences and memories.
Bruce Adamson, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland; Siobhian Brown MSP for Ayr; Councillors Dettbarn and Cullen of South Ayrshire Council; Sally Ann Kelly, Chief Executive Aberlour; Lucy Gash, Aberlour Family Service South Ayrshire Manager and one of the parent contributors who attended today’s launch presented the book to Joan Black, Lifelong Learning Librarian of Ayr Library.
Written in their own words by 18 mums and dads, the book documents how the parents have faced real life challenges and managed to adjust to a different way of life. It highlights how each of the families dealt with the difficult situation and kept their children and themselves safe and happy throughout the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The stories are heart-warming and uplifting mixed with a dose of reality. They range from “Tuesdays by James” and how he misses his trips to the Men’s Shed in Ayr to “Monkey’s first Day at School” or “Covid 19 and the McCuskers” and will raise a smile, a laugh or maybe even a tear.
Bruce Adamson, wrote the foreword and said, “This book is special because at its heart is the theme of community. Even when families who normally use this service couldn’t come together, they supported each other through uncertainty and isolation. The stories are happy, sad, thought provoking and ultimately inspiring. It shows that even during adversity, the human spirit can triumph and create something beautiful. We can all learn a lot from these humbling stories”.
Lucy Gash: “When the mums and dads told me about their idea to write a book about their lockdown experiences I did wonder how we would actually make it happen. As the stories started coming in I was so proud of how brave and honest mums and dads had been about their own circumstances. I have felt so lucky to be part of the process of seeing the stories and illustrations as the book came together. The book looks amazing, parents feel great to have achieved something so positive during such a difficult time and I know that the parent’s stories will give hope and inspiration to many other families in the future. We hope you enjoy reading it too. ”
One parent said, “We wrote the book because we wanted to help other families in the service so they didn’t feel so alone. We hope the book brings comfort and a smile to other parents now and in the future”.
The book, funded by The Scottish Government Supporting Communities Fund and supported by the Ayr Gaiety Partnership, has been launched in hard copy but is also available to download.