The COVID-19 pandemic is having a huge effect on all of our lives. The UK Government policy is clear:
Stay at home
– Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
– If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
– Wash your hands as soon as you get home
– Do not meet others, even friends or family. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
Headway North Cumbria members and volunteers are adjusting to the temporary closure of the Day Centre and having to spend more time at home. Many are listening to music and catching up on their favourite TV shows. A number have shared stories and pictures about what they have been up to.
Arts and Crafts
A number of our members have been spending time doing arts and crafts. Activities include painting, card making, diamond painting (a craft hobby that it is a mix of cross stitch and paint by numbers), cross stitch and sewing. One member says that she has been making cards and has so many now that she doesn’t know what to do with them all.
One of our volunteers is participating in a group sewing project by making blocks depicting houses, for a window display at Handmade By You in Maryport. These blocks will be combined with similar contributions from other sewing enthusiasts. It is hoped that the finished display will show how much people can come together, whilst not being together, and make a ‘community of houses’.
Exercise
The Government guidelines permit people to leave their homes to take exercise. Many are taking advantage of this by walking (with or without dogs) or cycling. One member says “my daily exercise is either going for a walk or a short bike ride. Today I went to Bitts Park and through a very quiet city.“
Gardening
Many are taking advantage of the good weather and spending time in the garden. This is a great way to get some exercise, get some fresh air and relieve stress.
One volunteer says “I am in the greenhouse growing vegetables to sell for us at Headway. I am potting up lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, cabbage, courgettes and something that I do not know what it is!“
Board Games and Puzzles
A lot of our members enjoy games and puzzles. A number are doing puzzles, online quizzes and working on jigsaws.
One family is taking advantage of spending time together by playing a range of board games with different themes. So far they have solved a number of murders, been on hot air balloon flights, been fishing on a coral reef, and explored ancient ruins. Most recently they have been scientists trying to stop the spread of viruses across the world (does this sound familiar to anyone?)
Spring Cleaning
It might well be the season for it, but many of our members have taken advantage of the time at home to do some tidying up and cleaning. Throughout North Cumbria kitchen cupboards have been sorted out, drawers tidied and wardrobes sorted. One member reports that she has been “cleaning some drawers out that have not seen daylight for years but I am keeping some shut that I do not like the look of!“
Photos of the activities that our members have been doing can be found in the gallery in the Photo Album entitled Lockdown Activities. The gallery can also be viewed below:
