It’s a time to stay safe and a time to support each other. Together we can achieve more than we ever believed possible.
We’re seeing acts of courage, generosity and creativity that we couldn’t have dreamed up a week ago. We are seeing brands who are really standing by their core values in the most testing of times.
We’re hoping this blog will warm your heart as we round up examples of businesses and individuals rallying to help one another and to survive by spreading positivity.
Smiling is infectious
“None of us know how to cope with this event, unprecedented in our lifetimes. But we do know how to be considerate to each other. We know how to soften the tension with a joke. To check in on a neighbour. To share a silver lining. To smile.”
Tim Frenneaux, Gather Outdoors
Making unforgettable gestures
There are random acts of kindness coming at us from all directions. Community groups are popping up everywhere to support those self-isolating, there are free webinars and live chats on self-care and looking after mental health and lots of educational resources.
Some businesses are of the size and success level to be much more likely to withstand the economic downturn. Others are much smaller, acting completely selflessly, putting their local neighbourhoods and morals first. All of these acts will be remembered for a long time.
This dog walker is delivering medicine and groceries for free.
Children’s book authors are reading bedtime stories live on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9vasYyhwdu/?utm_source=ig_embed
Visit the Great North Museum from your home.
This small grocery shop in Falkirk is giving away goody bags with face masks and hand sanitiser to elderly customers.
Pret offers NHS workers free hot drinks and 50% off everything else.
Burger King is also offering free drinks to our NHS heroes.
The Italian Airforce gives the nation a patriotic and emotional lift.
https://twitter.com/SisKathleen/status/1238395121663643648
The BBC lays out what it will be doing to help keep us educated, informed and entertained.
Louis Vuitton gives up its perfume production lines to make free hand sanistiser for France and Brewdog does the same in the UK.
Levi’s, Lush and Apple have all reassured employees that they will be paid despite store closures.
Tech firm Waracle gave each of its 150 employees £50 to spend on a vulnerable neighbour.
The Story of Telling has blogged about Hitesh Palta, owner of a small independent supermarket in Melbourne who took the lead by extending his stores opening hours by an hour in the morning, exclusively to serve the elderly. Australia’s two biggest supermarket chains announced the next day that they would follow suit. Many of the UK’s biggest supermarkets have since followed suit.
Delicious Magazine offers to help out with cooking and recipe ideas.
Gary Neville and Roman Abramovich make their hotels free for NHS staff to stay in.
How businesses are adapting
Been pondering how quickly you could set up a toilet roll company? Businesses are trying to be as adaptable as possible in order to survive. They are shifting to serve others as best as they can, changing their offering, turning to delivery models and providing services virtually.
The Chequer’s Inn, Aylesford have launched their own delivery menu as well as supporting vulnerable people every day by delivering free meals.
“It’s a local pub and community hub. It’s a small village and we want to make sure we look after the people like they do for us. We do a lot for charity and believe you get back what you put in.”
Pub owner David House
GlassHouse Beer Co now offers can deliveries locally and Signature Brew is employing out of work musicians to drop off orders.
Indie bookshops all over the country are taking action in many ways to keep us reading is isolation.
Keeping fit
If you’re feeling well then staying active and getting some exercise is a priority but not always easy if you’re at home. Businesses are trying to help.
If you’re concerned about missing out on your workout, maybe your local gym or studio will rent you some of their equipment.
Or join in one of the many classes that are being streamed free online.
Heart Space Yoga & Bodyworks
https://www.instagram.com/p/B94ETbAjRys/?igshid=19gvvhag3b3yq
Barry’s Bootcamp
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9zp6p7lhuU/?utm_source=ig_embed
Lucy Mecklenburgh
https://www.instagram.com/p/B92FskfjC5B/
P.E. with Joe
In Spain, a fitness instructor ran a class from a rooftop for people to join in from their apartment balconies.
Swim deprivation solved?…
Something inside so strong
Finally, we’ll leave you with the pupils of Silver Springs Primary Academy singing Something Inside So Strong to older residents isolating from coronavirus in the flats opposite.
Tissues at the ready.
If you can, support your local businesses and community. A bit of kindness and a smile go a long way. If you need help, reach out, there are lots of people willing to give it right now.
We’ll get through this together.
