Somewhere Over the Lockdown...
Evidence that it’s impossible to wear a black jumper with a floofy white cat in the house.
It’s about time I posted another blog here and what better time than when emotions are running high and business is running low, right?
I’m a copywriter who’s lost for words. If you’d told me even a week ago that I’d be spending half of my week doodling rainbows to hang in the window, dropping off essentials to people who are self-isolating and using all my might not to cuddle all the dogs in the park, I’d have thought you were bonkers.
Turns out the world has become bonkers instead.
Coronavirus has triggered a shit storm. Hearing from my family, friends, clients who are already struggling has been breaking my heart this past week. From those who are working in the heart of it all while having to self-isolate from their own loved ones to small businesses who are breaking down under the financial weight of the situation. Everyone is facing a different struggle of their own right now and no matter how positive I try and stay, sometimes you just have to accept it’s raining. And let’s face it, it’s not just raining right now, there’s a cataclysmic storm ripping across the globe at 365mph speeds. Sure we can dance in the storm but if you feel more like screaming in despair than dancing then
that.
is.
ok.
If you’re anything like me this will have thrown up some difficult decisions.
We’re all wanting to help our neighbours, our local businesses and those who are struggling but we’re also worrying about our own families and how our own finances are going to fare in all of this. So how do we strike a balance?
The answer will be different for everyone but I’ve cobbled together some quick ideas and initiatives you can take part in if you want to help while saving money and making sure you stay healthy too:
Volunteer for the NHS
On Tuesday evening the government called for 250,000 NHS volunteers. There are now over 405,000 who have volunteered but I’m sure the bigger the army the better in fighting this virus. Whatever political side you’re on, now isn’t the time for naming, shaming or blaming. It’s time for us to pull together and help the NHS. It’s totally understandable if you feel worried about committing to a volunteer role while you’re also taking care of your family or sorting out business but if you do have some time you can spare, the GoodSam app allows you to show when you’re available and offers a few different roles including a telephone service which you can carry out from the safety of home.
Join the Rainbow Trail
Whether you’ve got kids or you’re just looking for something fun to do, why not get those pens, paper, craft bits out and create your own rainbow doodle? I’ve seen all sorts popping up on the Facebook group from rainbow dream catchers to rainbow paw prints, so it’s the perfect excuse to get any four-legged friends involved too!
Join your local COVID-19 Mutual Aid group
This handy finder will help you locate the mutual aid group local to you. From there you can volunteer to help with as little or as much as you’re able to in your area and it’s also a great group for finding out information about other initiatives you can get involved in or virtual activities being ran for kids to enjoy at home.
Photo by Bedbible
Download the C-19 COVID Symptom Tracker
This free app has been designed by some incredible researchers at Kings College London to help identify those who are at risk of contracting the virus sooner. Anyone - 100% healthy or not - should download it. The app asks you to self-report how you’re feeling daily. It’s such a quick, simple way to monitor your own health while contributing to slowing the outbreak.
Post a #viralkindness postcard around the block
This fantastic movement was started by Becky Wass. From delivering shopping to walking the dog, it’s a great way to let people in your neighbourhood know you’re able to help if they’re self isolating. If you’re new to the community or haven’t had a chance to get to know people it’s also a thoughtful way to introduce yourself.
Here’s the PDF you can print at home.
Join Freelance Heroes
If you’re a fellow freelancer of any kind, chances are you’re finding this time financially petrifying. Or maybe you’ve got it all sussed out in which case you might have some top-dog advice up your sleeve. The Freelance Heroes facebook page is packed full of lot of lovely lovely people. It’s a great place to voice queries and concerns and share advice if you have some.
Leave a positive review
Have you been chuffed with a product or service you’ve received recently? Leave a glowing review on their page or website to brighten their day! Many small businesses are built off the back of brilliant reviews and most take under a minute to write.
Help your local wildlife
If you have access to a garden, Suffolk Wildlife Trust have put together a super selection of ‘How Tos’ to help you get creative in the fresh air while helping your local wildlife.
Like, comment on, or share posts
Perhaps your local pub have started offering takeaway to try and mitigate the cost of having to close or a charity you know are in desperate need of donations more than ever. You’d love to help. Trouble is, you’re tight on cash too. A like, comment, or share could still go a long way to help and is a great way to show your support.
Check in with people you know
Drop someone a message, even if you usually wouldn’t. Find out how they’re doing. Sometimes it’s just nice to be thought of. I’ve had some lovely folks send me messages on Instagram just to see how I am at the moment and it’s really made my day. And keep up those Facetime dates with friends and fam if you can.
Photo by Giftpundits.com from Pexels
Share something funny or uplifting
Whether it’s to your friends and family, on your personal story or your biz page, brighten the mood by sharing a meme, a photo or some ideas for things to keep people entertained at home. Humour is a helluva valve for the pressures of life, and if ever there was a pressure, this virus is up there with the best (or worst?) of them.
Know of any great initiatives and ways to help that I haven’t included? I’d love to hear them in the comments. Take care of yourselves my friends and I wish you and your loved ones the very best through this. I’m still available for work but I’m also here for natter anytime too.
Scream, dance, cry, laugh, do whatever you gotta do to get through this. WASH YOUR HANDS. And above all, stay the f**k home unless you have to leave for essential reasons. The storm WILL pass but while it’s smack bang overhead, we’re all in it - at a social distance - together.