As the country sits at home on lock down watching the news from the sidelines, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by feelings of horror and anxiety. But fear not, let us celebrate the people and organisations who have come together despite social distancing to help, encourage and support each other in this time of crisis.
Here are 10 signs of how there is such a thing as society, after all.
- At 8pm Thursday, millions of Britons took to their doorsteps, windows and balconies to cheer not their local football teams, but instead our NHS workers who risk their lives daily to help the victims of corona virus. Under the hashtag #clapforourcarers and #thankyouNHS, streets which had been eerily quiet all week were flooded with gratitude as the nation applauded NHS staff. Across the UK buildings like Wembley Arch, London’s Shard and Manchester Central, all turned blue in support of the NHS. It was since announced that #clapforourcarers will continue every Thursday afternoon for the entire duration of the coronavirus UK lock down.
- Hundreds of volunteers all over London have create Covid-Wards via WhatsApp to donate food, medicine and other essentials to the elderly and disabled who might otherwise struggle to get their supplies.
- The National Car Parking Group confirmed it would offer free parking to all NHS staff at over 150 car parks across England.
- The Internet Archive has launched a new public library with 1.4 million ebooks made freely available.
- Audible announced the launch of Audible stories allowing parents and children to access over 200 audio books for free for as long as schools are closed. No sign up, no fee just stream and listen. Apple have since followed suit.
- Uber Eats has waived delivery and activation fees in the UK to support restaurants hit by the decreasing demand during the coronavirus crisis.
- LinkedIn is opening up 16 of its learning courses for free, providing tips on how to stay productive, network virtually and balance family and work dynamics in a healthy way.
- ES magazine is piloting free home deliveries of their weekly magazine to keep their readership connected.
- Vodafone is offering 30 days of free data to its pay monthly customers. Customers considered most vulnerable will be automatically upgraded.
- Marks and Spencer stores across East London have been giving away free flowers at the end of each day to spread a little cheer and remind us of the beauty of spring. Now that’s something to smile about.
