As we enter another week of lockdown, many of us will find the reality of staying at home is starting to set in. Isolation is a massive adjustment for even the biggest family units. For many individuals, though this pandemic makes their already isolated lives even more lonely. This week we want to talk about ways you can help the vulnerable and support your community through this difficult time.

START AN ONLINE COMMUNITY IN YOUR AREA

Social media can be a lot of things, but it sure is useful during a pandemic! If you don’t already have a Facebook group for your road or town, try and set one up. It is a great way to tie your community together (no matter how big or small), and it will help you find vulnerable people in your area who may need your help.

OFFER TO HELP WITH GROCERIES

If you are going to brave the shops, then see if you can pick something useful up for people who aren’t able to leave their houses. This may be general groceries or medication from your local pharmacy.

GIVE A WAVE

If your neighbours are happy for you to do so, then make sure you walk past their window and give them a wave each day. Just seeing a friendly face and a smile could make someone’s day so much better!

DONATE TO YOUR LOCAL FOOD BANK

Food banks are in desperate need of donations, so please be sure pick up a few extra bits when you are food shopping. We are all feeling the fear of not being able to get our regular products, imagine if you didn’t know where your next meal was coming from because your last resort (the food bank) was empty?

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES

The current lockdown and the essential restrictions that go with it are breaking small businesses across the country. Many of your favourite local restaurants and grocery shops may be offering different services such as takeouts and home deliveries. Where possible, avoid the supermarkets and make the most of the services your local small businesses are offering. You can play a massive part in keeping them going.

HOMEGROWN PRODUCE

Do you have chickens or a handy vegetable patch? This is a great time to share items such as eggs with your community.

MAKE SOMEONE SMILE

Lots of towns across the UK have been encouraging the kids to paint rainbows and put them up in their windows so that the children can spot them when they are out for their exercise. If you have kids at home, ask them to paint an extra rainbow for someone who is on their own. They can put it up in their window and take joy from watching the children in their area point it out as they pass by.

SET UP COMMUNICATION

Probably the most important one of all is communication. It is vital that the vulnerable members of your community have a way to connect during these unsettling times. Do they have a phone line or internet? Can you help them set one up if they don’t? My Gator watch is another great way for the elderly to communicate with their loved ones. It has a GPS tracker and SOS button that will give friends and family an extra bit of reassurance while they are apart from their loved ones.

These are just a handful of ways you can help the people in your local area. Would we love to know whats going on in your community? Join the conversation in the comments below or via our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

My Gator Watch is a wearable mobile phone designed especially for over 65’s. It uses GPS, two-way calling, works across multiple networks and has an SOS feature for peace of mind. For more information and prices, please click here.

*We would like to reach anyone who is working for the government, council procurement, charities linked to elder care and businesses in elder care. Please reach out so we can work together to help those who need it.