City councils, citizens and civil society organisations are creating measures in neighbourhoods and communities to sustain social cohesion and to keep our spirits up.
Self-Employed people help self-employed people
Self-employed people offer free courses for other self-employed people.
Public volunteer programme to support a country’s health structures
To meet the growing demands within a country’s health system, a volunteer programme for doctors, nurses, paramedics, psychologists, and students and retirees with a health or nursing background was set up.
Tablets and internet access to for underprivileged pupils
Save the Children Italy provides children in their programmes with tablets and internet access to enable them to follow remote learning.
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.
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.
Isolation rooms for homeless people
To support homeless people the City of Ostrów Wielkopolski organized special isolation rooms for homeless people, which are fully furnished and equipped with bathrooms and care agents.
Free parking for hospital staff and care workers
A city council offers free parking for hospital staff and care workers.
A city’s website for assistance and mutual help
To keep track of the things happening in the municipality of Milan, a website displays both the city’s services and mutual aid as well as community activities.
Digital international exchange between pupils
An online platform connects students from several European countries so they can share their perspectives on the coronavirus crisis.
Offering a fear-free news service
A news website was created which provides easy-to-understand and unemotional news coverage.
Virtual story time
Storytelling via videos on social media provides meaningful distraction in quarantine.
Making a cycling festival corona safe
The Lake Erie Cyclefest is spread out over two months allowing participants to complete their rides without causing large crowds, where the virus could spread.