THESE are unprecedented times we’re living in.

Schools are closing, employees being sent home, countless businesses are facing an existential threat, and further afield entire countries are in lockdown.

Closer to home, day by day we are seeing more and more of us – our friends, our families – taking steps to self-isolate in a bid to protect themselves, and others, from the spread of Covid-19.

But local media are reiterating that those affected are not alone in this.

Outlets across the country, spanning rival publishers, have joined forces to launch the #ThereWithYou campaign reassuring readers that their local title is there to support them in challenging times.

The campaign is supported by industry bodies the News Media Association, Newsworks and the Society of Editors.

Today, the majority of daily regional titles have published the same front page headline with a one united message: ‘When you’re on your own, we are there with you.’

And weekly titles will be supporting the campaign online and on social media by using the hashtag on stories.

The campaign focuses on keeping the community together, especially the elderly and the vulnerable, during these strange and, frankly, surreal times.

News outlets will continue to do their bit to provide you, wherever you are, with the latest news and information on the impacts of the pandemic.

We will search far and wide for the positive news stories to share in these challenging times – community heroes, businesses going the extra mile and residents banding together for the greater good.

We will, in short, be there for you as you have been for us over the year.

Toby Granville, Newsquest editorial development director, said: “In these difficult days, weeks and perhaps months, our role in providing vital and trusted news and information, putting people together and publicising good causes of all kinds has never been more vital. And we want to do our part to support the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Alan Edmunds, managing director of Reach Regionals, said: ‘’It is clearly time for everyone to step up and play their part. Our teams are committed to helping our communities in every way we can.’’

Matt Kelly, Archant chief content officer, said: “Regional newspapers are the fabric of our communities. They have been for generations, good times and bad. And we are at our best when our communities need us most, as they do right now.”