Across Crisis, people are doing amazing things to support our members, volunteers and staff, and to play their part in supporting efforts across the sector to safeguard people facing homelessness from the coronavirus.

Since the outbreak of the virus, we have had to significantly adapt our services. As we adjust to new ways of working, our frontline staff have shown the same care and compassion in supporting members who may be feeling very isolated and lonely.

The following are just a few examples of how staff across the Skylight regions have been supporting members over the last couple of weeks: 

Oxford

In Oxford, we've celebrated a number of members who have had success in getting securely housed by the council, having previously experienced issues and delays around applications.

Two members of the Progression team have been out delivering wellbeing packs and art packs to some of our members at their homes. The Office Manager and Arts Coordinator put together the packs which include items such as puzzles, adult colouring books, pens, pencils, paper and paint.

We hope that the packs will help members stay busy and get creative whilst they are in lockdown and will help them to look after their mental health and wellbeing. Members have been really grateful to receive the packs, and we will continue to put together more and get them out to even more members as the lockdown continues.

South Yorkshire

A recently recruited volunteer who has not had the chance to start in their role as they were interviewed just before lockdown has been supporting the team from home using his own design software by using their journalistic and design skills to produce useful 'how to' guides for members to support them in keeping in contact with people.

These guides will be included in learning packs that will go out to members and takes them through what they need to set up a specific tool such as Facebook, Skype or WhatsApp to step by step how to use. Not only will these help the members and the team, but they have helped reduce social isolation for the volunteer by having a point of contact and a meaningful purpose at a time when they are home alone.

Birmingham

Food packs have been sent to members throughout April, and more recently Ramadan packs (containing dates, almonds and a card) were sent to all members who celebrate Ramadan. 

Some of the feedback from members have included:

"I received a crossword puzzle book in the post yesterday and have just received a food parcel myself, delivered by a lovely volunteer...I know that was down to you and I can't thank you and Crisis enough...It means a lot when you're isolated, not to feel so alone. The work that you and Crisis do is much appreciated." 

"I want to say a big thank you to Crisis for the Ramadan present. I loved it and it made my day. Thank you so much Crisis." 

If you'd like to find out about more about the In This Together Campaign or find out how you can get involved, please email us on philanthropy@crisis.org.uk

Article date: 01.05.20