Psychotherapist and life coach Jody Merelle has nothing but praise for the warm welcome she and her family received from the community of Dawlish.

Arriving from Finland so she could take up a new post with the NHS during lockdown, the family found themselves without many of the things we take for granted. But that all changed once local people heard they needed help. Here she describes the ‘extraordinary’ way the local community rallied.

In the dead of night on Easter Saturday 2020 my husband, three children and I arrived, exhausted, in Dawlish.

We had just made the 12-hour trip from our home in eastern Finland.

England was in its first lockdown.

Shops were shut, streets were deserted and there was an eerie stillness I had never felt before.

Animals felt it too – right next to the motorway near Exeter we had seen a herd of deer.

We were here for me to take up a mental health post in Devon.

It felt exciting and daunting at the same time.

Our planned accommodation had fallen through because of covid, so home for the first two months was a holiday park chalet.

We had nothing with us but what had fit in our suitcases. We knew no one here, and lockdown meant that meeting people and making friends was almost impossible. The children had brought their Finnish schoolbooks for home schooling, but had left behind most of their toys, games and other important possessions.

On our daily walks people often stared.

Being new faces and speaking a foreign language made us look like a family on holiday.

But the reality was very different.

We were without a lot of basic items and no storage at all. Not even hangers for our clothes.

The children had nothing to play with. With the shops all being shut, we put out a plea on Facebook.

The reaction was extraordinary – one of the most generous outpourings of love and support I have ever known.

On one hand lockdown meant we were isolated and alone – on the other the people of Dawlish could not have made us feel more accepted and welcome.

Mai from the local chip shop had a friendly smile each time we passed.

Helping Dawlish collected together some amazing games and toys for the children and we had messages from complete strangers with offers of help.

When we eventually found a house to rent, our new neighbours invited us to their outdoor quizzes which continued throughout lockdown.

We felt part of the Dawlish community within days.

I tell this story for two reasons.

The first is a reminder to anyone who needs it that that there is no shame in asking for help.

We did, and the response was amazing.

Particularly during lockdown there are countless people ready to help others – they just need a clear message as to what they can do.

The second is to say thank you.

With all the restrictions of the last year we still haven’t met many people face to face – but we will never forget the kindness we encountered on arriving here.

We hope one day to have the chance both to make friends and to give something back.

If writing this column gives hope or encouragement to even one person during lockdown – then that in itself will be a very small start.