Most of us are aware of what has been happening in Hemsby, where coastal erosion is forcing urgent and heartbreaking decisions. Things have to move fast. Properties with gas and water connections must be demolished for safety reasons.
But these are not just buildings. They are people's homes. Safe spaces. Places filled with memories.
There is no desire to force anyone out — but storms do not wait, negotiate, or care.
Our GYUP member went to help a friend who had just 24 hours to clear their home. Twenty-four hours to pack up a life. Twenty-four hours to work out where to go, how to pay for a short-term B&B, where to store belongings. Standing there, the task felt overwhelming — even with friends willing to help.
But then he looked next door. And next door again.
What about the neighbours with no obvious support? Those who were older, isolated, or whose family lived far away? Those who didn't fully understand — or trust — the complex paperwork around voluntary demolition and their responsibilities?
He could have focused only on his friend and moved on. He didn't.
He knocked on doors. He begged and borrowed storage space. He put a call out on Facebook — and people responded. He moved furniture, encouraged, reassured, and checked in. He smiled when smiling was the hardest thing to do. Five homes were cleared in two days by our member and the team of volunteers who rallied around him.