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Local community in crisis? Here’s what you can do to help

As communities across the world face the prospect of isolation over the weeks or months ahead, how can you make small gestures with big impacts for your local community?

Connect with the elderly

For those not able to access online grocery stores, having a support network in the community is invaluable. Make contact with older members of your community. Doing something as simple as putting a note through a neighbour’s door, giving them your number in case they need urgent supplies, or simply want to chat, can make a huge difference in challenging and lonely times. Check out #viralkindness on Twitter to find a template to print at home and drop through your neighbour’s letterbox.

Don’t let others go hungry

Preparing your family’s food supplies, where possible, is certainly a sensible step to take. But while those that can are stockpiling, there will be many families who do not have the financial resources to get prepared. Donating to your local foodbank is a simple way to support others facing uncertain times, without the security of knowing they can feed their family during a period of isolation.

Let the online community help the offline community

Check out local groups online to contribute to community programs and keep up to date on accurate advice and news. While the global news might seem overwhelming right now, you may be surprised at how proactive you can be at a local level by staying connected with the situation in your community and sharing your time, help and knowledge with others.

Preserve your favourite places

Staying safe by avoiding that café around the corner that’s normally buzzing with locals? Watching Netflix instead of going to your local cinema? The long-term repercussions for businesses which lie at the heart of our communities could be devastating. If you are happy to keep going out locally then think about shopping at quieter times. Perhaps order items for pick up in advance to minimize your time spent in store. For salons, cinemas, and restaurants, buying a voucher or gift card online to use at a later date is a great way to keep business moving. It can also provide something to look forward to in the future.

While borders close, kids are sent home, and events are cancelled, we may feel helpless to have any impact on a this rapidly developing situation. But the small actions you can take, even from home, mean you can be a powerful force for good, or even a lifeline, for those in need in your community.

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