Sunshine in the Rain. By Young Reporter Victoria

So what have you been up to this weekend? Binged watched Netflix or watched movies on the newly released Disney +? Taken up a new hobby or gone for a walk in the park for the first time in years?  I know I’ve done all these things.

But there are a number of things I have noticed over the last few weeks – whether it be on my daily solitary walk around the parks, streets and beaches or through working from home and keeping an eye on the media.

I have seen rainbows in windows. I have heard children laughing as I walk by houses. I have seen families walking dogs and enjoying the environment.  I have spoken more to my neighbours this week, (albeit through windows and over fences), than I have in the 15 years I have lived on my street. I have been pleasantly surprised with the outpouring of support that those who have had to keep indoors and are being ‘socially shielded’.

What has also shocked me is the acceptance and embracement of change and technology. Schools, Colleges and Universities have moved to teaching their students online. But it is more than that. I have heard of choirs and bands singing and rehearsing using online platforms.  I have heard language lessons and the teaching of instruments moving online. I have seen – and joined in with – online and on TV exercise classes. It truly proves that we are in the technological age and we are embracing it.

There is no doubt that the last few weeks have changed what is ordinary and normal.

With COVID-19 affecting everything we do, it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Trips to work, college and the shops and meetings with friends, family and colleagues have changed indefinitely.

I think we can all agree that our Doctors, Nurses, Carers, Cleaners, Shop Workers, Delivery Drivers, Postman, Teachers and all other key workers are doing fantastic jobs in less than ideal circumstances. They are putting their own lives on hold to fight the incoming tide so that one day in the near future we will be able to return to normal.

So what can we do to help? We can follow the guidelines for starters, but there are other little things we can do. We can call our friends and families. We can check in on our neighbours; including key workers, to see if they need anything, (from the shops or even just a chat!). We can go out and clap our key workers every Thursday at 20:00. We can volunteer for the NHS in roles such as befriending or if we are well enough, we join community movements such as the Blue Lights Brigade who do invaluable work from shopping for the less-able and processing community packages to rallying behind our uniformed services.

And when this is all over?  We can carry on and supporting our key workers. We can keep going outside and talking to our neighbours. We can use local trades and visit holiday resorts in the UK to rebuild businesses back up. We can volunteer locally to help others and the environment. And most importantly? We can carry on painting rainbows.

To volunteer or find out more information with the NHS follow this link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/participation/get-involved/volunteering/nhs-volunteer-responders/

To volunteer or find out more information with the Blue Light’s Brigade follow this link: https://www.bluelightsbrigade.co.uk/register-to-help—covid-19

For general volunteering information, visit: www.vanel.org.uk or email Liz Dugard: liz@vanel.org.uk

Article by Reporter Victoria Russell
First published in Grimsby Telegraph 31st March 2020