Share this article:
Our staff continue to work during these challenging times, as the Coronavirus pandemic continues. Helen is a support planner working at our Newark Moving Forward service. Here she tells us what has changed, not only in her service but also her own life.
How has the Coronavirus impacted on you?
Our daily routine as a family has not changed too much. My husband is also a key worker, so we are both still going to work, and our son continues to go to school. What is strange is everywhere being so quiet, seeing so few cars on the road and people in our neighbourhood. I do miss not being able to meet up with friends and family, but we are staying positive and making a wish list of all the fun things we hope to do when this is all over. This has also made me realise how much I need face to face contact with people – working from home has its advantages, but I miss the team at Newark Moving Forward massively
How has the Coronavirus impacted your service?
The team at Newark Moving Forward are working from home – delivering phone support and linking clients with community schemes, to help them access food, medication and other essentials. Many of the people we work with are self-isolating for 12 weeks due to them being in the high-risk category. People are scared, lonely and fearful of what the future may hold. This is a time when people with close friends and family feel incredibly lucky, but the people without either feel lonelier than ever. Hopefully the phone support and regular check ins from the team will remind people that they’re not alone, that people care and that support will carry them through this crisis.
What have you done in response?
I have been covering shifts at other services, Russell House and Transitions South, and I feel lucky to be able to do so. Going back to accommodation services has reminded me of the challenges many Framework staff face every day and the cool, calm and respectful way in which they deal with those challenges. I feel fortunate to be able to leave my house and go to work. I hope to continue to cover hostel shifts wherever I am needed.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m so proud to be part of the Framework family and I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who is working so hard, in whatever role (I know folk are having to wear many hats!) for keeping everything going. This will end and when it does, just think of the celebrations!! I’d also like to credit my son, Owen, for the amazing rainbow painting – spreading the joy!
