What is mutual aid?
The idea of mutual aid is to come together as a community to support each other, especially those who are self-isolating or who might be struggling more at this time.
Why is it important and what can we do?
Making use of, or setting up, local support groups can boost morale. You can help others, and yourself, by setting up a Facebook or WhatsApp group with people in your local area to stay in touch, share ideas and arrange ways to help each other (like doing essential shopping for people who can’t get out if you don’t have symptoms). You may want to use your phone or the internet to reach out to community groups you are already part of (e.g. libraries, baby and toddler groups, and sports clubs).
If you don’t have a phone or computer to get on the internet, you could even post a note to your neighbours asking for, or offering help. If you do this be mindful of who you are sharing personal information with (e.g. phone numbers) and how much you share.
At the moment it can be hard to get all we need from local shops and supermarkets. While there is no shortage of essential items available, the temptation to ‘stock up’ and ‘panic buy’ can leave shelves empty for others. Local support groups are a way of connecting us to others who might be able to share essential items or, if we find we have a few items spare, we can share them with others.
Linking in with mutual aid groups
There are also lots of local groups which have already been set up to provide emotional and practical support. You can find lots of helpful advice about finding mutual aid groups in your area, or setting up one yourself, here: https://covidmutualaid.org/. There are many more that can be found by searching on Facebook.
For example, there is a Leicester mutual aid group Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/289960355307518/
The idea of mutual aid is to come together as a community to support each other, especially those who are self-isolating or who might be struggling more at this time.
Why is it important and what can we do?
Making use of, or setting up, local support groups can boost morale. You can help others, and yourself, by setting up a Facebook or WhatsApp group with people in your local area to stay in touch, share ideas and arrange ways to help each other (like doing essential shopping for people who can’t get out if you don’t have symptoms). You may want to use your phone or the internet to reach out to community groups you are already part of (e.g. libraries, baby and toddler groups, and sports clubs).
If you don’t have a phone or computer to get on the internet, you could even post a note to your neighbours asking for, or offering help. If you do this be mindful of who you are sharing personal information with (e.g. phone numbers) and how much you share.
At the moment it can be hard to get all we need from local shops and supermarkets. While there is no shortage of essential items available, the temptation to ‘stock up’ and ‘panic buy’ can leave shelves empty for others. Local support groups are a way of connecting us to others who might be able to share essential items or, if we find we have a few items spare, we can share them with others.
Linking in with mutual aid groups
There are also lots of local groups which have already been set up to provide emotional and practical support. You can find lots of helpful advice about finding mutual aid groups in your area, or setting up one yourself, here: https://covidmutualaid.org/. There are many more that can be found by searching on Facebook.
For example, there is a Leicester mutual aid group Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/289960355307518/
