During the latest peak of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic between March and May, hundreds of residents in Kingston continued to work or signed up to volunteer and help some of the borough's most vulnerable.

Yet amid the troubling news of the spread of Covid-19 and the complexities it posed to everyone in various ways, the individual stories of some of those who helped via the Kingston Stronger Together platform, set up by RBK's Genine Whitehorne, were hidden.

That's a state of affairs a new pamphlet highlighting the contributions of council workers and volunteers is hoping to change.

Surrey Comet: RBK's Occupational Therapy Team, seen with masks worn to minimize the transmission of Covid-19RBK's Occupational Therapy Team, seen with masks worn to minimize the transmission of Covid-19

Promoted by Kingston Council (RBK), the Unsung Heroes of Kingston pamphlet details the efforts of many of the borough's most dedicated and tireless employees and volunteers during coronavirus lockdown while pointing out the impact they had.

"These pages include stories from across the Council, featuring lockdown selfies and Google Hangout pictures, detailing how when the world went into lockdown, our staff continued to work for our borough; whether it was on the frontline, or working to help our residents from inside their homes. 

"It has been a huge effort, and here we thank just some of the many unsung heroes all across Kingston," RBK said on publishing the digital handbook.

Among those featured within its pages are Emma Hill, an RBK employee who pivoted from her standard role as a community development officer to manage the 'befriending service'.

According to RBK, over 100 of the borough's most isolated residents who shielded throughout the quarantine made friends through the regular online buddy meetings created by the scheme.

"My buddy is a great match. The conversation flows and we have a laugh. My buddy is very appreciative of the support," Volunteer Penny D’Souza described.

Elsewhere, RBK workers like Martel and Harsha set up over 100 community food depots so that isolating residents could access vital supplies during lockdown.

As the Surrey Comet previously reported, homelessness charities also collaborated with RBK to house homeless people in the borough during the previous peak of the pandemic.

The council also faced criticism from the implementation of the Kingston Stronger Together scheme, with some pointing out that a number of volunteers were not allocated specific tasks.

To view the pamphlet of Kingston's Unsung Heroes in full, click here.