We are in a time of national crisis and life has become more difficult for all of us in one way or another. As much as it’s essential that we keep in mind everything that we need to do to protect ourselves and others, I think it’s also important that we can focus on some of the positives that have emerged from this crisis. I’m delighted, for example, that staff in the NHS and the care sector are getting the recognition they have long deserved for all the amazing work that they do.
Whilst Covid 19 is keeping us apart physically, in other ways it has actually brought us together. As a community, we are finding new ways to help and support each other through this difficult time. The number of people who have volunteered in lots of different ways is good evidence of this.
In fact, this crisis has really highlighted how much we all rely on each other; the importance of community. After the lockdown, we all look forward to spending time with friends, families, colleagues and others, but hopefully many will also look at how they can help out their wider community. Volunteering is a fun way to spend your spare time but has the added advantage of making a really positive impact on the lives of others – often those in most need.
There are some fantastic voluntary organisations in the Reddish and the Heatons part of my constituency, including Friends of Manchester Road Park, Love Heaton Chapel, Love Heaton Norris, Friends of Reddish South Station and Re:dish. These are all brilliant examples of the community working together and I am very proud to support their work.
I’d encourage you all to consider what voluntary work you might be interested in doing after the lockdown so that we can carry this spirit of community and volunteering beyond the end of this crisis.