By Keziah Cracknell
Just because we are stuck in lockdown for the next few weeks, that does not mean we cannot socialise, or leave people socially isolated.
We need to think creatively on how we can help these people and ourselves in these ‘unprecedented’ times.
It’s been incredible to see some people’s solution for what they can do, including those who have volunteered to help the NHS, hats off to you.
Also, those who have applied to supermarkets and filled in the gaps to help the folks who work there full time. To the police officers, firefighters and other emergency services who continue to look after us.
But this is not something we can all do, so what can the average do to help those who may be miles away.
One of the simplest ways is to call someone. There are so many different technologies you can use where you can chat ‘face-to-face’ via video, or the old-fashioned phone call, it can make all the difference to someone to make them feel less alone.
There are also many charitable organisations in our communities that are looking for volunteers now more than ever. For example, local churches have started running sermons using video calls, and phone call groups to help communities stay in contact. These aren’t limited to members of the church either, anyone can take part.
At the University of Huddersfield, some groups and societies are setting up challenges online using social media, such as the Badminton society, who are challenging people to film themselves using their rackets to hit their tea bags into their cups.
I myself am part of the Christian Union, and we are organising video chats and linking people together to specifically care for each other.
Last but not least, you can always pop your head over the fence and have a chat with your neighbours! Lockdown doesn’t mean you can’t talk to others and find out what their needs are.
Maybe they cannot collect their prescription, or can’t get shopping, this is maybe something you can help with, whilst following NHS guidelines.
We can come through this if as a community we work together. Some people are still in two minds about what they need to do, but the most important thing right now is that people look out for each other.