How to help each other during the corona crisis

The global spread of coronavirus has created a pretty stressful environment for all of us. Lots of people are struggling. This makes it difficult to know who to help and how to go about doing it. If you wanna help but don’t know where to start then read The Mix’s guide on how to help others during the pandemic.

How to help people

This new world can feel pretty scary at times. But in between the world-ending prophecies, people  are helping each other immensely – communities are coming together, doing positive things for each other and proving that they care.

If you’ve been wondering how to help people, we’ve got lots of ideas to get you started. And if you need one extra reason to be a do-gooder, look no further than science. Doing a good deed is one of the best ways to improve your mental health (more so than exercise or even eating salad).

Show some love for your neighbours

How to help others? The easiest way is to start locally – like really local. Now’s the time to reach out to your neighbours and start to help each other. 

Join a Mutual Aid Group

These groups have been set up around the country to support vulnerable people. If you sign up, you’ll have to do tasks like buying groceries for an elderly neighbour or maybe just popping in for a visit.

Support a food bank

With unemployment levels skyrocketing, food banks are needed now more than ever. Can you help by volunteering at your local food bank or by donating a few things to Red Cross from your weekly shop? To find out, you can search your local food bank here.

Start a gardening club

If you live in a community with gardens or balconies, how about kick starting a gardening revolution in your area? Buy a bunch of seeds, share them with your neighbours and watch as your street or building rivals Kew Gardens over the months.

To ensure the success of your gardening endeavors, it’s essential to equip your community with the right tools. Consider investing in a communal set of Garden Tools that members can borrow or share during planting and maintenance sessions. This not only eliminates the need for every individual to purchase their own tools but also promotes a sense of collective responsibility for the community green spaces. With the right garden tools like prong in hand, your gardening club can elevate its efforts, turning every balcony and patch of soil into a thriving oasis that transforms your neighborhood into a living showcase of nature’s beauty.

Set up a WhatsApp group

Set up a chat for you and your neighbours. It’s a great way to get people to help each other and stay connected. For example, anyone self-isolating or in need of a helping hand can easily reach out for support. Or it can just be for sending a kind word everyday to lift people’s spirits. 

To help those who aren’t so familiar with ‘The WhatsApp’, another way to reach out is by sending a simple postcard. This could be offering to pick up shopping, post mail or just have a friendly chat.

If you have any homeless shelters and food banks in your community you could also consider donating money or putting in a few hours at a soup kitchen, if you can afford it. 

Support local businesses

Small businesses are going through an uncertain time; the future of their companies are in peril. The key to their survival is relying on the kindness of strangers. So if you can afford it, show your support for the local businesses you love by…

Buying from independent food shops

Instead of queuing up for your local Tesco or Asda, can you buy your bits and bobs from local, indie shops instead? Some grocers, bakers and butchers are still hard at work, so show the little guys you care. As an added bonus many of these shops are now offering delivery.

Buy vouchers and gift cards

You can buy a bunch of vouchers and gift cards now and redeem your goodies later. That way five years worth of Christmasses will be sorted before July.

Write a nice review

If you can’t spend money right now because your budget is tight, that’s completely okay. Something as simple as writing a positive review online can be hugely supportive for indie businesses and will be much appreciated.

Cheer up your friends and family

Whether it’s an elderly family member, a friend struggling with their mental health, or a tired NHS worker, we all know someone who’s finding this a difficult time. Here are some tips for how to help the people you love.

Send a care package

Fill a box with goodies (we’re thinking books, snacks, your Netflix password, bubble bath and the like) and send to someone in need. Just be ultra-careful when sending packages. We are living through a global pandemic after all. 

Send a virtual care package

If you’re strapped for cash, a virtual care package might be the better option and is just as thoughtful. For example, you can send your special someone an email filled with links to playlists you’ve made, film recommendations, silly videos, recipes etc.

Post a letter

Facetime calls are great, but there’s something extra special about getting something handwritten  in the post, don’t you think? How about sending a letter to someone enclosed with a couple of meaningful photographs? 

Use the internet

Could you help your older family members access video calling, online choirs and exercise classes? Or maybe try organising an online quiz or games night for your friends and family? Honestly, the internet is your best friend during these times so make sure you use it to the max. This can even include donating to charities online on behalf of your friends.

Do something for the kids

Can you help the little ones you know by setting them fun challenges? It can even become a fun activity for you and your mates to plan it!

I feel guilty that I can’t help people right now

Everyone is trying to make sense of this new reality in their own way. If that means that you need to focus on getting your mental health up to scratch, that’s completely fine. We can’t focus on how to help other people all the time. Once in a while we need a moment to prioritise ourselves. All these ideas will always be there waiting for you when you’re ready. Not to mention the fact that they might help lift some of your anxiety.

Remember, if you need to talk to someone, The Mix are always here for you. Reach out to our team today and get some free, confidential support. Additionally, check out our coronavirus hub for other tips and information. 

Have you got some good examples of people helping each other in your community? We would love to hear about them on our discussion boards. Otherwise, if you’re looking for ways to help others in your area, you can search Do-it for information about volunteering and opportunities in your local area.