City councils, citizens and civil society organisations are creating measures in neighbourhoods and communities to sustain social cohesion and to keep our spirits up.
Family packages for keeping busy at home
An initiative sends books, toys, and arts and crafts materials to children in need.
Neighbourhood Challenge
People put up notes in hallways to offer their help to those at higher risk from Covid-19. When people are required to self-isolate to protect their health, they are dependent on the support of others.
Crowdfunding platform helps to realize solidarity projects
A crowdfunding platform encourages the financing of solidarity initiatives and projects during the Covid-19 crisis.
Digital church
An online platform creates spaces for encounter for church congregations.
Local WhatsApp chat groups inform in 15 different languages
To ensure that those who may be not familiar with a country’s national language get all the necessary information regarding Covid-19, 40 immigrant associations set up Whatsapp groups in different languages.
Telephone calls against loneliness
The social distancing measures implemented, are challenging for many people. To counter feelings of loneliness and isolation, a telephone project was initiated by the community on San Lazzaro (Italy). Community members are contacted and can share their feelings and needs or just have a quick exchange of words.
Establishing a support network in a city district
To support the elderly in shopping and health matters, the city district government set up its own network to connect younger and older citizens. Government actions to slow virus outbreaks can imply that specific vulnerable
Self-Employed people help self-employed people
Self-employed people offer free courses for other self-employed people.
Covid-19 Rapid Response Call
To support scientists working on solutions for coping with the Covid-19 pandemic, a rapid response fund was launched.
App organises help regionally
To match people who seek help with those who offer it, an app using the regional dialect connects those who are close to each other.
Mobile church services
The vicar at St Peter’s church in Notting Hill, London, has taken his church service to the streets with the help of his car’s speakers.
Digital artwork displayed on demand
To provide people with enjoyable moments during the coronavirus crisis, the artist Aoife Dunne displays his digital installation in their homes upon request.