Slough's black communities have been reaching out via churches, podcasts and social media to confront the dangers of Covid-19.

The town has now been removed from the Government's 'areas of concern' list. But efforts through the #OneSlough project to keep people safe remain at full throttle.

Student Mary De-Wind, 20 - a volunteer with the Aik Saath Youth Group - has produced a podcast to talk young people through taking a coronavirus test at the Montem Lane testing centre. On her Maz Talks podcast, Mary dispels the myths associated with taking a test and adds, 'You will be out of there in a jiffy'.

ALSO READ Slough removed from Government's COVID-19 watchlist

Churches have been working with community group Apna Virsa to issue essential safety messages at the conclusion of their services - online and in person.

The churches, which altogether have vast numbers of BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) members include The Redeemed Christian Church of God Emmanuel in Langley, Slough Baptist Church in Windsor Road, and New Testament Church of God in Herschel Street.

Community charity St Kitts & Nevis Association Slough (SANAS) has been regularly keeping in touch with its vulnerable members through their wellbeing team. Up to 50 people who are elderly or live alone have received regular phone calls and advice on how to stay safe. SANAS will also be starting a blog and sharing further safety messages through the Slough Caribbean Forum and other platforms.

ALSO READ Disabled sports charity at Braywick faces uncertain future

Jocelyn John, a Colnbrook parish councillor who’s been working with #OneSlough, said: “Of course, the changes since the lockdown have been hard on everyone.

“For black communities, there has been a huge impact on social gatherings, especially bereavements since these are often large events with up to 200 or even 300 people wanting to pay their respects.

“To have that reduced to modest numbers has been painful for many, but it’s important we continue to pay attention to social distancing, hand-hygiene and face-covering rules to ensure we can eventually return to normal.”

Residents can find out more and sign up at https://oneslough.org.uk/champions/.”