Acts of kindness. Charities going the extra mile during the COVID-19 crisis.
In times of crisis, it can be tempting to go out and stockpile a load of toilet paper. Or hand sanitiser. And when you’re stuck inside, it can be easy to over-expose yourself to this type of news. To wonder at what has become of humanity. But when you pan the dirt you also find diamonds - lots of diamonds!
As the UK reels in its response to COVID-19, more of these shining stories are starting to emerge. Charities across the country are doing everything they can to keep their services running and cushion the blow for their users. From small acts of kindness to large programmatic undertakings, it’s impossible to cover them all, but we wanted to use this entry to shine a light on some of those that caught our eye.
Help and Guidance
People might not be able to meet at The Friendly Bench right now, but we love that they will be sharing #BlossomingFriendship messages of hope and inspiration online and through Facebook. We think it’s great that Oasis set up a new ‘Friendship Phone Line’ (020 7921 4272) to help people stay connected during physical isolation. Offering a listening ear to anyone feeling lonely, anxious or worried – it’s a simple act of kindness at a time when it’s needed most.
Continuing along the same theme, SAMH were expecting to launch their ‘Testing Times’ appeal, but instead designed a new webpage dedicated to COVID-19. From anxiety management to guidance on universal credit, this new information hub pulls together links and resources from a range of organisations and is a great starting point for self-care and support.
Looking after youth
Looking after young people in a crisis, The Scouts have changed track and are now promoting ‘The Great Indoors’. From storms in a teacup to mindfulness and self-care, there’s more than 100+ activities to choose from. Demonstrated live on Facebook, each has been carefully designed to promote life skills, learning and well-being for young people in a lockdown. Of course, just because we’re stuck inside, doesn’t mean that everyday health needs go away. I don’t think anyone expected this when they were expecting, but the NCT are keeping their antenatal classes running by embracing the wonders of digital technology! Run through Zoom, NCT offers new parents 12 hours of live, interactive sessions - complete with face-to-face time with other group members. A great way to keep the community spirit alive!
Health and Wellbeing
When it comes to health, charities like St John’s Ambulance and the British Red Cross were quick to ramp up their support for both the general public and NHS. It’s also great to see our humanitarian sector stepping up to the challenge, with MSF, Save the Children and other aid organisations mobilising a rapid international response. Feeling proud? You should be.
Keep it local
On that note, we want to use our last example to highlight the generosity of the British public. As COVID-19 sparks the launch of volunteer networks across the country, it is hard not to feel part of something special. Not exactly a charity per se, but with thousands of local groups springing up nationwide UK Mutual Aid is one place pulling these diamonds together. Their location map is a truly inspirational sight!
Wrap up
We could go on. There isn’t an organisation that hasn’t been hit by the corona crisis, and each is doing their bit to make it through. Remember that, the next time the news gets you down. Times are tough, but the sector is strong and doing its best to deliver.
For that there is nothing left to say but THANK YOU.
