LET’S CARE FOR EACH OTHER FREO!

 

Social distancing might be forced upon us, so we should make sure it is only physical and increase distant connection and socialising via the internet, so that we don’t feel alone, abandoned and morose.

When we are no longer comfortable going to pubs, cinemas, sporting events, etc, or when governments ban us from going there, we need to look after each other better and more often.

For some people it will be a real challenge to be home alone, for others it will put pressure on the relationship with a partner, or with the friends they share with, so let’s help each other over any anxiety and depression, especially because there is an overkill of information about the coronavirus in the media every day.

Panic buying is not just showing that a lot of people are selfish, inconsiderate and uncaring, but also that they are actually worried about the future, and if they will be able to feed themselves and their families.

Who is helping those who are forced to self isolate with shopping when some supermarkets have stopped home deliveries, who is walking the dog for them, buying medication, making sure they are alright?

What can we do to combat the loneliness and sense of isolation? We can start on line, face to face, book clubs on Facetime, Skype, etc. where we can chat and see each other, or we can just have on line social groups connecting for an hour a day, or a few times a day, to talk about a topic, share a joke and a laugh and make us feel inclusive and nurtured.

Some people are relaxed in a crisis while other get very stressed, so let’s be a real community here in Fremantle and do the Freo thing of caring, sharing and looking after those who need it most.

Let’s assure ourselves and each other that no one will starve and that there is plenty of food to feed us all, but that means being sensible and considerate and only buying what we need, not buying what we might need in two months.

Human beings are very resilient, and in a city like Fremantle we know that there are a huge number of people who look out for others and who really care.

Feel embraced by that spirit of community and engage more with others, check on your neighbours, friends, colleagues and family, especially if they live alone, no matter what their age is.

We all want to feel loved, be safe, and wanted, and we all need a bit of a hug, now even more so than normally, even if that can’t be a physical hug.

Let us show that mateship is not just an urban myth, but that we really care!

Roel Loopers