Just a few weeks ago we could not have predicted the situation we now find ourselves in due to the Coronavirus.
Employment law is developing rapidly and we are keeping on top of it should you need support. In this blog post however I wanted to share with you some of the ways people are supporting each other, particularly those who are working remotely.
Funding charities
Martin Lewis, the well-known finance guru has put £1m into a fund to provide grants ranging from £5,000 to £20,000 to small UK charities who are doing, or need, Coronavirus poverty relief.
When the humans are away…
Not the mice, but the elephants will play. Whilst humans are carrying out social distancing, a group of 14 elephants broke into a village in Yunan province looking for food. They ended up drinking 30kg of corn wine and got so drunk that they fell asleep in a nearby tea garden.
This story just made me smile. I’m not encouraging readers to drink wine whilst working at home!
Supporting the homeless
A Twitter user in the Masham area publicised that he was making 11 chalets available to homeless people where they could isolate in a warm and comfortable environment.
Blue Peter
Peter Duncan, a one-time Blue Peter presenter, has suggested that the BBC make available the whole Blue Peter archive as part of the their aim to “inform, educate and entertain during these unprecedented times”. This I’m sure will teach us all what to do with the cardboard tubes in loo roll.
Make a dachshund hat with a Queen
Yes you read that correctly. Thanks to @sammystritch who tweeted a video of Queen Margrethe of Denmark making a dachshund hat. That’s surely even better than Blue Peter.
Free coffee
Nicki Chapman has praised a cafe in her local high street who put a blackboard outside advertising “free coffee for NHS staff”.
Generous indeed
I loved reading about the colleague who offered his workmate two of his shifts per week for the next few months to support him because his mate has a mortgage to pay and he doesn’t.
A different wedding
When the Church of England stated that no more than 5 people should attend a wedding, Reverend Richard Coles’ response on Twitter was, “You may now wave at the bride”.
Our NHS heroes
I loved seeing a group of NHS workers supporting each other by making a dance video. They truly are our heroes.
Online dress up Friday
This is a great idea – dress up for those video calls with colleagues on Friday. The good thing about this is that you can still wear your PJs or joggers on the bottom half!
Virtual celebrations
I’ve seen lots of this going on – from people eating cake at the same time to celebrate a colleague’s birthday to people sharing pictures of their Friday night tipple that they’d usually have down the pub.
I hope these few stories have helped just a little to focus on something positive at this time. If any of my clients need support do reach out – I’m happy to give some time on the phone without charge.
In the meantime, take good care.