How you can take action against coronavirus with acts of kindness

During these unprecedented times, supporting each other with acts of kindness will help keep us sane

From social distancing to constant hand-washing and working from home, life as we know it has undeniably changed. And while the uncertainty of the immediate future is concerning, it is possible the virus will bring important positives to our lives, as being forced to slow down the pace of life could enhance our ability to become self-sufficient and more mindful.

Lidewij Edelkoort, one of the world’s most influential trend forecasters, supports this notion, telling architectural and design magazine Dezeen, ‘It seems we are massively entering a quarantine of consumption where we will learn how to be happy just with a simple dress, reading a forgotten book and cooking up a storm to make life beautiful.’

She noted that for several years humans have understood that in order to survive as a species and to keep the planet going we need to make draconian changes to the way we live, travel, consume and entertain. As we have not made these changes, she says, ‘the virus takes decision-making out of our hands.’

This certainly rings true, as without air travel and factory production, a better environment will be visible on a large scale. And looking ahead, Li believes Covid-19 will allow humanity to reset its values. She expanded, ‘I am hopeful for another and better system, to be put in place with more respect for human labour and conditions. In the end, we will be forced to do what we should have done already in the first place.’

With human respect in mind, Marie Claire is launching an appeal for our readers to commit to a corona act of kindness, using the hashtag #InThisTogether. Whether terror or tragedy, acts of nature or man, disasters have proven to bring out the best in us. Even in the worst of times, that support and kindness helps keep us sane.

Here's how you can make a positive difference to your community - and remember, no act is too big or too small to share.

Be a neighbourly neighbour

Pop a postcard through neighbours’ letter boxes to ask if they need help with shopping, running errands, or just want a chat on the phone. The template was created by Becky Wass, a copywriter from Cornwall, and has since been shared by thousands of people on Twitter under the hashtag #viralkindness.

There is also a WhatsApp movement that is seeing social media users encouraging each other to share their phone numbers with neighbours in order to start a neighbourhood WhatsApp group, in case someone nearby is self-isolating and needs help. So start your own street WhatsApp group today.

Give back by giving blood

With people staying inside their homes far more than usual, blood donations are expected to fall - but donors are still very much needed. There are currently no confirmed cases of any form of coronavirus being passed on through the donation of substances of human origin such as blood, organs, tissues and stem cells, and the NHS says you can keep donating as normal, unless you have travelled to a coronavirus risk area, been in contact with or been infected by the virus.

A spokesperson for the Red Cross said Hundreds of blood drives have already been cancelled. “Every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion — that someone may be a cancer patient, a car accident victim or a mother who has given birth," Jodi Sheedy, senior director of biomedical services communications for the American Red Cross, told The Hill.

Don't stay silent over domestic violence

As we learn to practice self-isolation, staying at home can present serious challenges for people living with abusive partners, family members or others. This pandemic could means a rise in intimate partner violence or domestic abuse — whether it means verbal, emotional abuse, or physical violence, as people are forced to spend longer periods of time with each other indoors.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, or are concerned about someone in your community who might be, you can contact the Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.org.uk

Fuel your local food bank

As the virus spreads, food banks face additional pressures, as there are fewer donations and they are unable to get some staples due to people stockpiling.

Check with your local foodbank (by giving them a call or searching online as many are posting on social media) about what they need. The Trussell Trust is collecting food donations for those unable to get supplies because of panic buying.

You could also consider donations from your wallet, as donating money not only gives food banks flexibility over which supplies — including fresh foods and paper products — to offer but also lets them decide when to refresh their stocks.

Support shops online

Lots of small businesses are struggling as people are staying home, and while now is not the time to be meeting in restauants and bars, try to buy some things online. Also, consider buying gift vouchers to use in the future.

Get a group together (not literally)

There are more than 300 dedicated community groups co-ordinating relief efforts on Facebook. Facebook groups have been set up across the UK for volunteers to offer help and for those in need to ask for it. Try searching for Covid-19 mutual aid to find a group in your area. If there isn’t one, you can always take inspiration and set one up.

Donate beauty buys

Beauty Banks is a charity that supports people living in hygiene poverty in the UK, and provides essential toiletries to people in poverty. On Sunday it launched an emergency virus-related appeal asking people to donate online to support people in the UK who can't afford basic hygiene essentials like hand wash, soap and hand sanitiser that will help protect them from infection.

Alert the vulnerable to supermarket shopping

Supermarkets up and down the country, from Sainsbury’s to Waitrose, have created a dedicated time slot for the elderly and vulnerable to shop. This is to create a less scary shopping experience and to ensure that everyone has the same access to the products on the shelves. We can get involved by making sure that any elderly or vulnerable people around you are aware of this notion.

If you have committed an act of kindness for a friend, family member or for your community - or someone has helped you during this uncertain time - we'd love to hear from you. DM us on Instagram @marieclaireuk and share your story #InThisTogether