8 WAYS TO HELP OTHERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

Stories of people emptying supermarket shelves and duelling over loo roll paint a bleak image of humanity during the Covid-19 outbreak. But beyond the sensational stories, most people want to pull together and help. As social distancing becomes the norm, here are 8 tips to boost solidarity

1. Contact people who may be struggling with their mental health

Check in with anybody who may be struggling, and encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling as well as to access the help and support they may need. Texts, emails, phone calls and video calls all help. It might be worth reminding them that social distancing is about physical distancing only – not social isolation.

2. Help homeless people better protect themselves

People who are homeless face a particular risk from Covid-19, according to experts. They have poorer health in general, including pre-existing conditions that have weakened their immune systems. Donate high quality, antibacterial hand sanitiser, as people who sleep on the streets are likely to be unable to wash their hands regularly.

3. Support charities and emergency appeals

Many charities are stepping up their vital work at this time and supporting them is a great way to help those who are most in need. By donating to them, you could help the charity answer more calls to their advice line as well as make regular ‘friendship calls’ to people who are lonely during coronavirus self-isolation.

4. Volunteer your teaching skills to support home school parents

If you have teaching experience, consider offering your knowledge and skills to parents who may be turning to home schooling in the coming weeks.

5. Organize an online meditation or dance party

We may be having to keep our distance from other people right now, but technology means we need not be strangers. Hundreds of people are taking part in choirs, group meditations, and even dance parties from their own homes via video conferencing software.

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6. Pen a letter to care home residents who may be lonely
Bored while self-isolating or just feeling the need to spread some joy? Consider writing letters to residents of care homes, who may be lacking visitors while their family and friends stay away amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

7. Support a food bank

Providing a lifeline of emergency supplies, food banks are likely to become more needed than ever in the coming weeks and months. While urging the government to help get struggling families back on their feet, consider supporting your local food bank in the meantime.

8. Buy a voucher from a struggling local business

With footfall virtually disappearing overnight as the government advises the public to stay at home, some local businesses are unlikely to survive. But others will, and you can support the ones in your community that mean a lot to you. Many are offering gift vouchers, which will give them a short-term cash boost while you have the happy prospect of spending these once life returns to something approaching normal.

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