Some call them Local Angels – around the world volunteers are stepping up to support people who are extra vulnerable to the Corona virus – people who’re elderly, disabled, and with pre-existing health conditions, as well as people who’re feeling isolated and anxious.
Covid-19 Mutual Aid compiles a register of groups and volunteers, and champions their work. Hundreds of groups have sprung up – and around the world thousands are registered on Covid-19 Mutual Aid’s website.
The groups use social media to offer people in self-isolation help with shopping, dog walking and picking up prescriptions, and telephone calls with people who are self-isolating due to infection or increased vulnerability.
Anna Vickerstaff, one of the coordinators of the national network, said:
“Getting sick reminds us that at our core we’re all just human.
I think the incredible scale of community organising and building solidarity has challenged the narrative of individualism and a divided Britain.
There is overwhelming appetite and energy to build supportive communities across the country and I think that what is being created will outlast the virus and be an essential part of the recovery.”
People can find their nearest mutual aid group, or resources to set one up at covidmutualaid.org
Over to you: We want to hear about more Local Angels – tell us how you are tapping into your capacity to care for others.