Compassionate Communities in the time of COVID-19
If there was ever a time for a community to be compassionate its now. The COVID-19 pandemic is of course serious and worrying but it is also an opportunity for us all to find creative ways to look after ourselves, our families, our friends, our neighbours and our communities.
Yes we MUST observe the physical distancing rules
Yes we MUST wash our hands – regularly and thoroughly
Yes we MUST respect the measures being put in place to protect the community and the health system
Yes we MUST seek out, and stay up to date with, reliable sources of information (Refer to “COVID-19” links listed in the Compassionate Communities Toolbox)
It is wonderful to hear of the many innovative ways local communities are stepping up to the challenge to show their compassion for people that are isolated, ill or caring for others that are ill, and for people who are grieving. One thing is for sure - people are grieving in so many ways now (https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief).
Technology is proving to be hugely beneficial – not just allowing people to work from home or to order goods and services on-line but its also allowing people to keep in touch with others. There are numerous stories of people using various platforms to keep in touch with their parents, grandkids, siblings, friends, book clubs, sporting groups, neighbours and the list goes on. It’s not perfect, it doesn’t replace a hug, but it helps enormously to keep people sociably connected.
There are also numerous ways that we can support the most isolated and vulnerable in our community, even those that are not digitally connected. We can follow the lead of organisations such as the City of Albany which is publishing “How Can I Help” cards in local newspapers that can be cut out and placed in neighbours’ mailboxes. Another option is we can donate to organisations such as Foodbanks and other reputable organisations that are working hard to make sure that people who are doing it tough get the basics of life.
So, while we face this COVID-19 pandemic situation let’s remember to be a Compassionate Community.
Community is everyone’s business, End of Life is everyone’s business and Grief Support is everyone’s business. We are in this together.
