Blackpool businesswoman sets up Covid-19 Facebook group to support Fylde coast communities

Dawn Baxter, 35, from South Shore, owns a social media growth company, helping entrepreneurs with their social media content and business coaching.

On Thursday March 12, she decided to set up Covid-19 Blackpool & Fylde Support Group ( Coronavirus 2020,) a Facebook group for Fylde coast residents to access advice from reliable sources, entertainment, and reassurance during the current pandemic.

The group has now gained over 17,000 members, and continues to grow as the Government advises over 70s and anyone with underlying health conditions to self-isolate.

Mrs Baxter suffers with severe asthma, and is currently self-isolating with her children, three year-old son Jack and 10 year-old daughter Bailey while running the group.

She said: "I was on Facebook working and noticed a huge amount of posts about the virus from locals in various different groups, including a lot of selling groups which have some of the biggest amounts of members.

"But these people, who were very clearly anxious and worried, were being told they weren't allowed to discuss coronavirus in the group and were being shut down.

"This was before any of the Government guidance we have now, nobody knew what was going on and people were looking for help, so I decided if there wasn't a safe space for them to talk about it then I would create one."

Mrs Baxter explained that she wanted to use her skills and expertise as a social media and business coach to create a group she would be able to manage responsibly, so residents could discuss the virus openly.

She now manages the group along with four other moderators - all self-employed locals who aim to help the Fylde coast get through the uncertain times ahead despite their own economic struggles.

"We started just over a week ago and now we have over 17,000 members, it's evolved so quickly," Mrs Baxter continued.

"I want good quality support for those who need it, as well as entertainment and practical ideas for those who are self-isolating.

"We have teachers helping with education ideas for kids, a local author live-streamed her book for children and we have a singer live-streaming a concert for us, to keep everyone at home in good spirits.

"So many people were asking me for help, so this was the best way to do it and I'm really pleased with how it's going.

"None of us were prepared for this, we didn't know this was going to happen, and now we just need to get through it together."