Last night at 8pm, the ‘clap for the NHS’ was a perfect moment of solidarity in many places across the UK.

We at Moon Executive Search are incredibly grateful to those that work in the essential services who are keeping the country on track. ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’ and there can be positives that emerge from the trials and uncertainty of the coming months.

“Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity.” Og Mandino

The rallying of many communities has brought people together (although still 2m apart) that would have not spoken otherwise. The excellent weather this week has provided some much need vitamin D, as well as getting people out into their gardens and chatting over their fences, which will foster community relations.

Our businesses and lives are having to adapt to the strange reality that we face. If we as people, communities and businesses can adapt, then we can overcome. There are inspiring local organisations providing key services to the vulnerable in the form of both support and supplies and we should all “do our bit”.

For example, Quartet Community Foundation, brings together people who want to help the local community with projects that make a real difference. They have already raised over £250k and opened their Coronavirus Response Fund in response to the crisis.  Already this week they have made the first grants, totalling over £50,000 which will be in the hands of grass-roots community organisations straight away.  The sorts of projects funded this week include: 

• Special provision of crisis services for rough sleepers and those living in temporary accommodation with changed practices to keep clients and staff as safe as possible

• Free takeaway lunches and online youth services for young people in a very disadvantaged area, supported by local volunteers

• Non-perishable food and essential living and baby items for distribution to destitute refugees and asylum seekers

• An extra Money Advice caseworker to help people in financial difficulties during the crisis.

There are lots of community help groups so if you want to make a difference then join up and help the vulnerable in your neighbourhood. There are positives of having a common enemy and community unity is definitely one of them.