7 ways you can support your local community in this time of crisis
With such anxiety and uncertainly looming over the whole world, now's the perfect time to exercise empathy and reach out to help other people, especially those who are vulnerable.
While many of us are staying at home most or all of the time, there are still things we can do to spread love and hope. Here are some ideas...
At this extremely difficult time of health fears, strained hospitals, food stockpiling and social distancing due to coronavirus, it’s natural to zone in on the concerns you have for yourself and those closest to you. After all, the best interests of the ones we love are what many of us hold nearest to our hearts.
But, it’s important not to forget others – your neighbours, your wider community, and strangers you might never even meet. With such anxiety and uncertainly looming over the whole world, now’s the perfect time to exercise empathy and reach out to help other people, especially those who are vulnerable.
While many of us are staying at home most or all of the time, there are still things we can do to spread love and hope. Here are some ideas…
1. Think of others, consider your actions and be kind: People in every community will face the challenges of COVID-19 in some way – from needing basic provisions to help while they are unwell. Don’t automatically go to anger, even if you think someone may be breaking the rules – a person out driving may be picking up urgent medication for someone in need. Actions instead of judgement is what is needed right now.
2. Connect and reach out to your neighbours: As self-isolation increases, we need to find new ways to stay connected and check in on one another for our physical and mental wellbeing. Share phone numbers and stay in touch. For someone living alone, a simple phone call, email, or text to check in on them could mean the world and decrease the mental strain of isolation.
3. Make the most of local online groups: Keep up to date, share information and be a positive part of your local community conversations using platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook. We’ve found a few good local Facebook groups which are helping people, which we’ve listed below:
· Loughton
4. Support vulnerable or isolated people: different groups in our communities are at increased risk and social isolation and loneliness are key concerns for all ages. There are things you can do like volunteering for local support services or donating to food banks to help. You can find all the information about your closest food bank donation point HERE if you live in Redbridge, and HERE if you live in Epping Forest.
5. Share accurate information and advice: Support anyone who may be anxious about COVID-19. Sign post them to the correct advice from Public Health England and encourage people to follow the correct hygiene practices. If you see a post spreading false news or advice, report it to the platform it was shared on.
6. Support local small businesses: This could be in the form of buying products to be delivered, buying gift vouchers for the future, or even just liking and sharing posts or reading their blogs. Be aware that most small businesses are suffering, so always go local and go small if you can.
7. Donate, if you can: We know many people are having money issues or worrying about budgets, so don’t worry if you can’t help in a monetary way, but if you would like to give cash to causes, plenty of local charities are taking donations including:
You can also help the NHS and patients by continuing to donate blood. You can find your local donation point by searching on this website.
We hope this list has helped inspire some community action – many of our staff are ticking off this list as they go. Don’t forget you can always reach out to us if you need any specific help, for you or a loved one.
Now’s the time for love and compassion.