5 WAYS YOU CAN HELP FIGHT THE CORONAVIRUS.

By Chantel Lewis

"We are only as strong as we are united" - J.K Rowling

In this time of crisis, hopelessness and uncertainty, we should all aim to be kind as we continue to come together and fight against the coronavirus. From the NHS workers to the supermarket shelf stackers, everyone is trying to do their part to keep calm as we come together as a community. If you’re working from home and wondering how to get involved and help, there are a number of ways to do so - from keeping two metres distance from everyone when doing your weekly food shop, to delivering a round of applause to the NHS employees who are tirelessly working on the frontline. Here at ZARE, we aim to take care of our neighbours as much as we take care of ourselves. Down below is a list of five ways to help do your part and fight COVID-19. 

Help foodbanks

Foodbanks are always looking for help as they make sure that no one goes hungry during a time where countless people are panic buying and leaving shelves empty. The Trussell Trust is the UK’s largest group of foodbanks and has experienced a drastic increase in those seeking help. During the pandemic, food banks will continue to remain open to help those in need of food and other basic necessities. Foodbanks are in need of food and Volunteers are needed as people are beginning to panic-buy less food is being donated. If you’re fit and healthy, offering to volunteer is a good way to help, as most volunteers are aged 65 or over and are categorised as those at highest-risk. You can easily check your local foodbank's website and apply to become a volunteer. You can also donate via your local foodbank's website.

Help a small business 

It’s not unknown that small businesses are struggling. While we continue to practise social distancing, support those who may not receive any clientele for a while. Why not purchase a voucher or a gift card from them instead? or book a night out at your favourite restaurant in advance. This way they are still making money and you get something to look forward to once this has passed.

Help the homeless 

Last month it was revealed that almost 25,000 people slept rough in 2019 in the UK. It was only last week the government announced that they would provide money to rough sleepers. There are several campaigning groups that are calling the government to house homeless people in hotels. But what can you do to help? Well, you can donate food or money to charities such as Shelter, Centrepoint or Crisis , or, if you want to be more hands-on, you can join one of the many campaigns such as Your Voice Matters.

Help health workers

There are a number of ways you can help the NHS. The easiest way of helping the NHS is to stay indoors and not go out unless it’s for buying essential items of food or medicine, travelling to work only if it is necessary, and to exercise. You could also donate blood as long as you haven’t travelled to a Coronavirus-risk area, been infected, or have been in contact with someone who has had the virus. You could also become an NHS volunteer. Loads of people have taken to social media to thank our much-loved medical services and every Thursday at 8pm people around the nation aim to give them a round of applause to help encourage those who are working endless shifts to keep our community healthy and alive.

Help your neighbours

In these very difficult times, it's hard to know how to help your neighbours who are high-risk and alone, because, in the current circumstances, you can't just pop round for tea and have a catch-up.  Saying this, there are still a few ways you can make sure that your neighbours are ok without being in direct contact with them. For example, post a note asking them what they need help with - whether that's buying groceries, or simply being on the end of a phone call with them to assure them they are not alone.

The Coronavirus is contagious. Please take every precaution required to ensure you are only spreading kindness. Avoid physical contact and stay at a two-metre distance from others. Wash and sanitise your hands regularly, and remain optimistic.

We urge you to stay safe here at ZARE, the sooner we follow these measures, the sooner we return back to normality.