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Our staff are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to support our residents (and each other) through the Coronavirus crisis. Sara works in an accommodation service for homeless and vulnerable young people. She took some time out of her day to answer some questions.
How has the Coronavirus impacted on you?
Personally, it has affected my family more than me. My daughter was volunteering in Greece in refugee camps when Greece went into lockdown so we were very worried about her health and her being able to get back. She has now returned fit and well but very unhappy and worried about the people who are in camps , without any services going in as the government has stopped all access.
My two sons , 6 and 8, are also very worried. My 8 year old is a far more sensitive soul and is worried about dying . My 6 year old is more pragmatic and has been worried about being able to eat pasta if the shops close!! He is more like his mum.
How has the Corona virus impacted your service?
I am so immensely proud of the team I work with. At the best of times this job is very difficult, it’s a very big task a lot of the time. At this time , the team have been outstanding . They are quite frankly heroes.
In terms of service users it’s very difficult for them to understand what’s going on. Our young people are marginalised anyway due to age , homelessness and being LAC/ care leavers. They feel disempowered and scared . They don’t relate to those in power and this leaves in limbo a bit. It’s very sad.
I think it’s really important to say that when a central government strips essential services to the bone in terms of funding it’s very difficult to be able to manage in a crisis, we are managing, our young people are safe and the service is staffed. But the team have been incredible.
What have you done in response?
I am keeping my loved ones close. I am following government guidelines about social distancing etc. I have also signed up to be a volunteer with the NHS so I can call people who are alone. I have also asked neighbours if they need any food and taken them cake. I am also eating quite a lot of chocolate!
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I hope we come through this appreciating each other more, shaking off some capitalist ways. That we become better humans . There has to be some good from this. Its devastating.
