The Braintree and Witham groups supporting the community during the Covid-19 crisis

Thousands of people in the UK have sadly lost their lives and many more have been critically ill after contracting the virus.

It has also caused widespread disruption to our lives and yet despite the social distancing restrictions in place, it would be fair to argue the crisis has brought communities closer together.

Volunteers, businesses and community groups have all rallied in this hour of need and are carrying out some amazing acts of kindness in these difficult days.

There are many initiatives set up in the Braintree district aimed at supporting key workers and the vulnerable, and there will doubtlessly be many more in the months ahead.

So here are just a few examples of the brilliant things people have been doing in the past few weeks and why our communities appear to be stronger than ever:

Witham Community Hub

The charity is running the Witham Pay it Forward group which was set up just before the lockdown was introduced.

The group is made up of hub volunteers who are delivering essential food and medicines to the vulnerable during the pandemic.

Tina Townsend, who is helping co-ordinate the group, has revealed the hub has already helped more than 1,000 people since the pandemic began in the UK and the team is continuing to work tirelessley to ensure help is at hand for those who need it.

If you live in Witham and need the hub's help, contact 0845 860 7648.

Stealth Mounts

The small firm in Rivenhall has already made 16,000 face masks for the NHS and key workers helping to keep the country running during the lockdown.

Staff are using an injection mould tool to make plastic shields to help address the alarming shortage of PPE during the pandemic.

Owner Mark MacDonald says he and his colleagues have been working day and night on the project, and have already supplied mask to hospitals and ambulance services up and down the country.

Stealth Mounts has been producing face masks with the help of the public but has warned the cash is drying up fast, and it could soon be forced to stop manufacturing because of the lack of money.

The firm says it has offered its support to the Government but has yet to receive a reply.

The Ruby

The Indian takeaway in Braintree is aiming to provide 1,000 free meals to NHS staff and care home residents in the area.

Owner Mohim Uddin has set up a gofundme page to help fund the scheme and is appealing for donations from the public.

He estimates a £5 donation will help with the cost of one meal.

The meals will be delivered to Broomfield Hospital and care homes each Monday and Tuesday.

Mr Uddin said: ""We know that there are many people who are very vulnerable at this time, such as the elderly in care homes and those who have a severe health condition, having to self-isolate.

"We want them to know they are not forgotten."

The Booking Hall

Despite being forced to close because of the pandemic, this cafe in Rayne is continuing to work and is providing free cake for NHS staff.

The cafe has already dished out 300 pieces of cake to the likes of Broomfield Hospital, Braintree Community Hospital and ambulance workers in Braintree and Rayne.

The scheme has been supported by members of the public, who are being asked to donate just £1.64 to provide a piece of cake for NHS workers.

Owner Joshua Meehan has paid tribute to loyal customers who have provided donations and is on the lookout for many more in the weeks ahead.

Beaumont’s Butchers of Braintree

Like a number of businesses, Adam Gibbons' butcher shop has had to diversify because of the pandemic.

He has having to run his business predominantly by himself to ensure colleague and partner, Sara, can be shielded from the coronavirus and look after their children.

Beaumont's is running a free delivery service to provide food for the vulnerable, meaning Mr Gibbons is working flat out to provide for customers.

He added: "Even though meat prices have gone up, we haven’t put a penny on our prices and won’t because we believe with so much uncertainty about, we won’t add to the burden of people’s weekly shop being more expensive.

"We plan to be here for at least 15 years so we have another 14 years to make money. Now is not the time to be thinking about profits."

We know there are many more fantastic examples of the community and businesses working hard to help the vulnerable and key workers during the coronavirus crisis.

That's why we are running our #BackingEssexBusiness campaign to highlight the brilliant work being done.

So get in touch and share your story, whether it be you or someone you know going above and beyond to help the community.

Contact bwtnews@newsquest.co.uk or visit our Facebook page.