City councils, citizens and civil society organisations are creating measures in neighbourhoods and communities to sustain social cohesion and to keep our spirits up.
A government’s call for the general mobilisation of solidarity
Faced with the coronavirus epidemic, the French government calls for solidarity among citizens to support the most vulnerable groups of society.
A platform helps to connect to self-help groups
A platform helps citizens to connect with local self-help groups and to issue a call for help in an emergency.
Displaying changemakers’ responses to Covid-19
Ashoka features projects by its fellows and communities worldwide which are solving challenges in our global crisis.
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.
Open-source sprint for the health system
Multiple teams working virtually to solve eight challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Children paint pictures for senior citizens
To ease the loneliness during the lockdown, children painted pictures to be given to retirement home residents as Easter presents.
Study support for school children at home
An Italian volunteer organisation offers online tutoring to help kids through this period of remote learning.
A platform to support mutual aid and the local economy
Fabrique Citoyenne in Rennes, France set up a website highlighting how residents can support each other and their community.
New type of oxygen device to help Covid-19 patients breathe
An easy to produce ventilator could fill the shortage of breathing devices in intensive care units.
Tallinn librarians read to children over the phone during lockdown
The librarians from Tallinn Central Library read books to children over the phone, Skype or Facebook until the government-imposed isolation ends.
Creative physical distancing gallery
A photo gallery shows a variety of creative ideas on how people encourage physical distancing around the world.
Bags as sign of solidarity
People hang cloth bags with the German word for “good neighbours” out of their windows to show they are willing to help.