Kindness 2020
Not one part of the UK has been left untouched in some way by Covid 19. The virus has swept across not only the United Kingdom, but most of the world. Sadly we as a nation, seem to have been one of the worst hit countries, with a total of more than 40,000 Covid related deaths at the time of writing this article. But we British know how to pull together in times of crisis and, despite the initial fear and the need to hoard that gripped some, it was with astonishing speed that the good in people began to appear. One of the most important groups that got together were the many professional and non-professional dressmakers and craftspeople who stepped up to fill the gap in the much-needed PPE situation. Across the country people came together to support
www.scrubhub.org.uk. This initiative was set up in response to Dr Kate Ward’s appeal to anyone who could help her locate much needed scrubs. An organisation was set up in Hackney Wick by four women who swiftly organised a network of volunteer community groups. It was very soon realised that scrubs were needed not only in Hackney but across the nation.
Together amazing groups of volunteers organised themselves across the country and started sewing. They created funding through www.gofundme.com or by asking for donations to cover the cost of material and delivery. These locally made scrubs made it possible for doctors and nurses to be better equipped on the frontline. The volunteers also made scrubs to enable non frontline NHS workers to wear protective clothing, making it safer for them to continue their work. The ScrubHub was just one of the many ways in which many ordinary people have been able to make a difference during the pandemic.
Across the country there have been donations of hot and cold meals for frontline workers and vulnerable people who were unable to shop safely. Many businesses have found ways to offer their services by starting deliveries and pop up shops. Others have been making masks, while bus shelters have been filled with books and games. There has also been an increase in seed and plant exchanges which, in turn, has encouraged garden owners to create their own vegetable plots.
More than anything people have come together to show kindness during these long months of lockdown. From checking on those who live alone, to meeting and chatting with neighbours on a Thursday evening when we all stepped outside to applaud key workers. Teddy bears and rainbows have been placed in windows to bring cheer to those out on their daily walks and to acknowledge and say thank you to the NHS. We should take pride in the way most of us have dealt with this unprecedented period, one that none of us had time to plan, or prepare for. As we slowly take the steps needed to get back to some sort of normality we should do our best to hold on to the positives that have emerged from this Pandemic. We have proved that we can live kinder, more caring and simpler lives.
