SHOULD CHARITY BEGIN AT HOME?

The Coronavirus has brought about huge changes for many of us, in many ways, some of which may be permanent. I have been pretty much self-isolating for the best part of three weeks now and whilst I do appreciate the crisis situation we are in, for me it has been something of a mixed blessing. At the last count I was actively involved with 23 different organisations; something that I enjoy but find very time consuming and at times tiring.

Many of these organisations are charities and it will be of no surprise to learn that in the current climate charities are suffering terribly as we all focus on other aspects of our lives, which at the present time, naturally take priority; staying safe and well and ensuring that our loved ones do likewise. As someone living in a relatively wealthy western nation, I have always believed that where we can, we should give to those in less fortunate circumstances. However, given the current emergency it is natural that we should want to draw in our horns and take care of ourselves. This is of course the right approach; we cannot take care of others if we do not attend to our own needs first. There are many who will now begin to struggle financially, suffer the impact of being cooped up at home, perhaps in an abusive environment, unable to feed their families, becoming isolated and experiencing increasingly distressing mental health issues. There is much evidence that this is already happening on a huge scale.

Whilst the health service is deluged with Covid-19 issues, working at full capacity, and beyond, there will be little slack to take up the extra work in other areas that will undoubtedly result, for the time being at least. This is where each one of us, those enjoying healthy minds and bodies at present, can really be a big help. We may not have the financial resources to be able to donate funds to charities at present, but we can help in other ways, by volunteering our time and talents to support those in need.

Many of our local communities have set up self-help groups, and that aside, whilst people are social distancing, in addition to offering to man a helpline, making a ‘phone call, sending an email, letter or offer of help to shop, collect prescriptions etc. will not only help to avoid these challenges escalating but will ease the pressure on the key workers who are literally working their socks off. Sometimes just saying thank you can do the trick.

The question we should all be asking ourselves is – How can I help you get any help you need?

It is the individual acts of kindness to others that will be remembered long after we get through this.