Since Boris Johnson announced the lockdown on the 23rd of March, the UK has had to find new ways to adapt in a world only envisaged in a dystopian fiction. We have experienced a ‘new normal’ of social distancing with people being told to work from home and limit interaction with family and friends in order to protect themselves and others against COVID-19. The past few months have been a strain on the whole of the UK. During this time, many businesses and activity centres have been told to temporarily shut their doors, resulting in financial strains and social isolation.
Much of Hythe’s High Street has had to close for over two months. So, how can you help support your local businesses now they are beginning to re-open? Whenever possible purchase goods from local shops, rather than large corporations, to help sustain the local economy. For businesses which are remaining closed, do they have a website where you can shop online? Can you help them with deliveries? If you have booked an event in advance, can you reschedule to a later date to avoid refunds? There are lots of small ways the community can support local businesses to build them back to where they were before COVID-19.
Owner of Saffron Hairdressers, Theresa, spoke of how when the lockdown was first announced, she underestimated the full impact coronavirus would have, like many of us did, thinking in a few weeks the salon would be running again. Despite this, during the lockdown Theresa has been able to expand her business venture of selling their own brand of hair products. With the profits of this, she created 100 mini bags of treats and distributed them to the COVID-19 ward at the William Harvey Hospital. Revealing they had sales in Scotland and Wales as well as from their local clients, the salon thanks everyone who bought their products from them.
When Theresa was asked how she felt about salons re-opening, she was undecided, “I do miss work, but you don’t want to put anyone in danger, but we can’t carry on like this forever.” She explained that safety is their priority and they will adhere to any government guidelines put it place, along with the need for protective equipment.
The salon has received over 250 emails (at the time of conversation) from clients requesting future appointments, as a result of the salon being closed for over two months. Theresa thanks everyone who supports small businesses. She also adds, “it is lovely to see everyone in the town trying to help each other out.”
Family run restaurant Twenty Four, has been operating a delivery service of fruit and vegetables as well as meats and all grocery essentials from local farmers and butchers since lockdown was first introduced. They are operating as a deli service, whilst maintaining social distancing, committing to regular cleaning checks, as well as providing their customers with hand sanitiser.
Owner of Twenty Four, Jemma, said, “we’re trying to make our customers feel more back to normal… the response from our customers has been really good, we’re absolutely blown away.” Jemma also thanked everyone for their support as she says, “we will endeavour to help as many people as we can.” It is still uncertain as to when the restaurant will re-open, but adds, “everyone can still come and do their shopping with us.”
With the closure of all leisure centres and the implementation of social distancing, coronavirus has also affected sporting activities and clubs. Hythe has various sports clubs within the community, which have been unable to run for several months. Despite this, many people have participated in home workouts to maintain their fitness, as well as going for walks. Some sports clubs are now allowed to return, with social distancing maintained. For sports which cannot maintain distance, their plans for re-opening is still uncertain at this time.
Additionally, across the UK, individuals’ have felt the strain of financial uncertainty due to the inability to work. Foodbanks across the nation have seen a huge increase in the number of people relying on food parcels. Many newspapers have reported on this issue, as there were calls for more government support to help families who require food. The Guardian wrote in a report, “The first two weeks of the coronavirus triggered an unprecedented rise in food bank use as the economy hit and household incomes plunged.”
The Hythe Salvation Army have been helping families who are struggling in this difficult time by delivering food parcels.
Hythe Salvation Army’s Corps Officer, Callum, highlighted in a statement, “In April and May, the Hythe Salvation Army Foodbank supplied food to 161 households in Hythe and Romney Marsh: this represents an increase of nearly 230% on the same period last year, where we supplied 49 households.”
Callum’s comment said, “As this pandemic has unfolded, the impact of redundancies, loss of self-employed income or overtime, the wait for Universal Credit to kick in and the reduction of income due to the Furlough Scheme has meant that many people have been faced with difficult choices about their finances and are faced with the question of how to feed themselves and their families.”
Like many businesses, the charity has had to change the normal protocol of how they operate to allocate for social distancing, however, they are still operating from their church building.
Callum added, “the people of Hythe have been incredible in stepping up to the plate (no pun intended!)”
If you would like to contribute to the food bank, food donations can be made at Sainsbury’s collection point, alternatively monetary donations can be made at their Just Giving page - http://www.justgiving.com/HytheSAFoodFund.
Rules regarding the lockdown has caused many people to feel lonely due to social isolation, as they have been unable to meet with friends and family. As the lockdown rules are eased, it is important to check on your neighbours, family, and friends to ensure they are coping - financially and mentally, at a safe distance of course!
Despite the virus forcing people apart, it has also unified the country at a time needed most; from clapping for the NHS and carers, to those who help the most vulnerable by delivering shopping to their door. It is important we keep this up and remain alert to tackle the virus and save lives. Hythe Life Magazine would like to thank the key workers who have played a vital role during the pandemic and the NHS workers for their fantastic work and bravery over these challenging months.
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