City councils, citizens and civil society organisations are creating measures in neighbourhoods and communities to sustain social cohesion and to keep our spirits up.
Donating computing power to support researchers
The Folding@home software runs while users do other things on their computers and provides CPU and GPU computing power to a team of scientists.
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.
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.
Online one-stop-shop for community messages and Information
A Facebook page provides a community with reliable information. The quality is ensured by a diverse team connecting health services, the police and the clergy.
A campaign to share stories of kindness on social media
To share stories of kindness and show that citizens’ sense of community is not confined by walls, the Mayor of London launched the #LondonTogether campaign.
Online language buddies
A Swedish organisation connects newcomers with online language buddies helping both to cope with the isolation.
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.
Animal solidarity initiative
An online platform makes sure that animals are cared for during the coronavirus pandemic.
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
Providing hospitals and frontline medical staff with necessary equipment
To provide hospitals with missing equipment, an initiative crowdsources necessary materials such as masks and visors.
Supporting the LGBTQ youth
As LGBTQ youths may be particularly vulnerable to the negative mental health impact of Covid-19, the Trevor Project ensures that this vulnerable group gets the support they need.
Online gathering to share solidarity practices
The online magazine Cooperative City holds weekly gatherings with experts to talk about solidarity practices in different European cities.