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 this week:

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 in the next few weeks 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.

South Wales

In response to members stating they were struggling with a lack of structure during the day, art tutors have really risen to the occasion and are sending out texts three times a day with activities, links and more.

The cooking tutor has also put together a meal preparation on a budget pack that contains 3 meals a day for 7 days, including the recipes for members.

Birmingham

Working with the Real Junk Good Project, 40 food parcels have now been sent to members, and delivered by Crisis volunteers.

Ramadan ‘packs’ are also going to be sent to all members who celebrate Ramadan and will include madjool dates and almonds.

Article date: 17.04.20