I pray for real change after the pandemic
JULIET SHORT, operations and development manager at Connex Community Support, reminds us of the importance of volunteering during tough times
AS a community, we need to decide what is important and treasure it, from care, to food, to pollution.
The coronavirus has changed the world unimaginably in 100 days. One hundred days ago we viewed the illness as a simple flu affecting people elsewhere.
One hundred days on, the virus has wreaked an unbelievable toll and lifestyle change at a tremendous pace.
Despite the dreadful and horrifying number of people who have died, deaths which touch us all, we are all beginning to look forward, to try to imagine a new future.
We have all remembered that our lives and those of our loved ones are more important than anything else.
In a very real way we are living simpler, smaller lives and have re-learnt the pleasure and pride of shopping locally.
The homeworking revolution that was forecast decades ago may have finally arrived, bringing ecological benefits in its wake.
While our world is less polluted and quieter, on the other hand vast numbers of people have seen their livelihoods collapse.
Although the Government is trying to provide reassurance to individuals and businesses alike and despite some optimism, the future remains very uncertain for many, many people.
The move away from the austerity measures in the health and social care sectors is welcome. We have known both first and second hand how local and national cutbacks have struck the NHS, social care and charities over the past decade.
We have seen the impact upon the marginalised and the vulnerable. We have watched, in particular, despair as domestic abuse charities struggled to provide adequate refuge for those who needed it as a result of these cuts.
It has been with both wonder and joy that we have therefore witnessed the Government writing-off NHS deficits and allocating money to support those suffering from domestic abuse.
It has been inspiring to see the homeless housed and the dispossessed become visible.
The pandemic has been one of those levelling forces which reminds us we are all connected. It has reminded us that systems driven largely by profit are not always best placed to serve families, people and communities who need our care and support.
The work of community groups and charities is often all but forgotten until times of crisis.
Yet this work continues during and outside crises, alongside the essential work in the health and social care sectors.
There are going to be some very big challenges ahead.
Fundraising activities for all charities, large and small, have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Social enterprise activities have all but ceased.
Community-led voluntary support can be very empowering but to be sustainable it will need longer-term funding and resources.
We need to be mindful of our decisions both individually and collectively.
In the words of Vivienne Reich’s Coronavirus Letter to Humanity, “Listen to the earth. Listen to your soul... And start loving your neighbours”.
I am hopeful, however, that real change will come as a result of this pandemic: I think we have been listening and I am looking forward to us living in a brighter, more caring world.
It has been humbling to watch people find new and innovative ways of connecting and to learn of the many acts of kindness throughout our Covid-19 journey. Thank you.
While some of our colleagues have been furloughed to protect our charity from the adverse financial impact of the pandemic, we continue to work from home and can still be contacted via phone or email on 01335 348600 or dales@connex.org.uk.
● For more immediate information about the wider work of our charity, please visit connex.org.uk