Lockdown letter: Communities respond to an inequitable crisis
The crisis is having a devastating impact on financial capital but has led to a huge rise in social capital.
This is my fifth lockdown letter.
The COVID-19 crisis is widening the socio-economic gap in the UK.
The Bay Foodbank in North Tyneside says that demand for its services has doubled since the outset of the crisis.
“We used to distribute around £3,000 worth of food per day. It’s now nearer £6,000. We’re working from from 8am to 7pm every day,” said Rev Alan Dickson, chairman, The Bay Foodbank.
The Bay Foodbank covers the North Tyneside area from the River Tyne north to the border with Northumberland. It has worked with the local council since the outset of the Coronavirus pandemic.
We’re all working through our own version of the crisis. Lockdown is a very personal experience depending on circumstance.
Approximately two million people are freelance or working in the gig economy and have no work or income.
People in care, the NHS or public services are working 18 hour days in public services, risking their lives every day.
We’re among the parents trying to manage businesses from home while home schooling young families.
Unfortunately for some people people the crisis will be defined by abuse and isolation. Charities working in these spaces suggest that the crisis is a time bomb.
Communities responses such as The Bay Foodbank are stepping to provide support. It’s typical of a range of grassroots responses to help deliver grocers and medicine.
The crisis is having a devastating impact on financial capital but has led to a huge rise in social capital.
I got called out by an old friend a week or so ago for being angry and fighting against the crisis. It’s my instinctive response to anything outside my control.
“Slow down and do something useful,” they urged. “Apply your craft.”
I've created a community of practice to kick about ideas with people in my industry. We’re only going to figure out what comes next and learn by bringing together a wider range of experience, expertise and skills.
It’s been brilliant to hear from teachers, academics, students and practitioners in a safe environment. So far we’ve explored the future or newsprint, crisis and emergency communication, and routes out of lockdown. We’re collecting a useful library of resources along the way.
The community is inspired by Tortoise Media's model of inviting members and subject matter experts into its newsroom. You’d be welcome to get involved if you’re interested.
