Steven Broomhead is chief executive of Warrington Borough Council and writes a regular column for the Guardian

AS we move past the half way point of the national lockdown, rightly there has been a renewed focus on the mental wellbeing and emotional resilience affecting individuals and communities.

There is no shortage of home based advice and promoted opportunities in the newspapers/social media on how to provide personal solutions and respite.

These range from ‘call three friends every day’, short walks, new hobbies, change at least one bad habit, read books you would not normally read, singing, physical exercise and new diets.

Covid has been a major jolt that has allowed us to consider our previous lifestyles and behaviours and to plan for major changes for the future.

I have been surprised by a large number of people who have expressed that they intend to embark on a completely new lifestyle when the pandemic is over.

The town needs to respond to this by planning and reimagining what different leisure and cultural opportunities will be available.

For many, life will be the same as before, but there is convincing evidence that a significant number of people have rethought their personal priorities and lifestyle choices.

In many of our communities, people have called and checked on neighbours they haven’t known before.

Our Foodbanks have been given donations from individuals who have previously had no contact, community litter picks and shared Christmas decorations on local streets are just a few examples of how the collective Warrington pandemic response has demonstrated itself.

New relationships and activities have emerged and there is a good chance they will continue well into the future.

Life is tough for most. I would find it surprising if anybody is really interested in the recent self-indulgent examples of “Game of Thrones” which has seen Mr Cummins and Mr Cain leave.

Now is the time for a Government ‘reset’ and a new sense of grip from the top to ensure a balance between health intervention and not for further negativity to the economy.

Covid has had a very significant negative disruptive impact on our lives and we have so far lost 230 loved ones in our town.

However, there has been a very small brighter side as through our personal re-evaluation of the environment around us we start to embark on a new community spirit, new individual priorities and less of a ‘rat race’ and ‘me, me, me’ life plans.

With the possibility of a vaccine, there is a new incentive to do this and look forward to a happier and much changed 2021 and beyond.

In the context of Covid and a popular TV series, “We have great community spirit, get us out of here”.