Atlantis Leisure: at home

The past few weeks have brought a new vocabulary into our daily conversation.

Words including ‘unprecedented’, ‘self-isolation’ and ‘quarantine’ have gone from rare to common place. These are unprecedented times, with historic firsts happening almost daily. But in the midst of so much change, it is interesting to note what remains unchanged and to be struck by what’s being enhanced by coronavirus.

For the Atlantis family, we’re seeing that in the overwhelming demonstration of Oban’s community spirit.

Whether it’s the little things like our staff coming together in a bumper WhatsApp group, sharing notes of encouragement to help each other through a situation that can seem pretty alien to some, or in the bigger gestures as they volunteer their time and collective resources to help the community. Together we’re showing that while we might all be physically distancing, that doesn’t mean we are socially distanced. In fact, we are closer than ever.

At Atlantis, we are rising to the challenge of digitally reimagining our centre life. Recorded video workouts, livestreamed morning yoga and the sharing of daily gentle encouragement from our friends at Healthy Options are helping maintain an atmosphere of inclusion and togetherness.

Rob at Healthy Options is becoming something of an internet sensation, taking Oban national with practical tips to stay active that are now being shared by former colleagues supporting their communities in Newcastle.

This community spirit has its quieter side too though and it is here it is perhaps at its most powerful. It goes in small unnoticed gestures, the quick call to a friend or neighbour that you know is alone and in need of human interaction.

It’s in using the reach of our close-knit network to give gentle heads up on those in our community that are in need and would otherwise struggle on in silence. It’s in the little things that cost us nothing but can transform someone’s day.

Oban is community embodied. At Atlantis we are privileged to see that every day.

But in these small gestures, we’re seeing it even clearer and learning to listen to its reassuring message: there’s something on the other side of all this.

There’s a return to a new kind of normal, to the familiar comfort of stretching days that announce spring is getting ready to give way to summer. Our community spirit is taking us all there together.

Maybe because of that, Oban will come out of this stronger.