Archives for May 2020

Empathy in A Time of Crisis – 10

Continuing our blog about this time of global crisis from the perspective of a voluntary team, taking each day as it comes. Thank you for reading.

Team Empathy Journal – Part 10

Over the last ten weeks we have written about how we’ve navigated this time of crisis. Some weeks we have focussed on the things we’ve done to keep busy – baking bread, Zoom calls and gardening. Other weeks have been more reflective as we’ve remembered those who are so much less fortunate, who live in a place where social distancing is impossible, food is scarce and the public health system unstable. We’ve launched our amazing Rainbow Campaign and we’ve been able to continue, albeit in a different format, spreading the message of empathy, solidarity and hope.

As we move slowly towards a new kind of normal, we asked our brilliant Team Empathy what they have taken from this time and what their hopes are for the future:

‘I’ve realised how much I love quiet time in the afternoon – in total opposition to my usual tearing about’

‘I’m no teacher and I’ve even more admiration for those who work to educate and care for our children every day.’

‘An increased appreciation of the changes in the seasons.’

‘Along with so many others, such huge respect for our NHS, carers and key workers.’

‘People need to actually see people! Whilst Zoom/FT/Skype/WhatsApp are fantastic – we’ve found having socially distant chats with people we’ve met whilst walking made us feel more alive.’

‘I’ve learned that it’s good to stop and think about what’s really important.’

‘Drawing closer to God has underpinned everything.’

‘I hope we can, as a world, go forward and not leave anyone behind, particularly the proverbial ‘least of these.’

‘I hope people can continue to be interested in and respectful of others.’

‘That the love, care and empathy that has been shown will continue.’

‘That this time of crisis, that has shown the strength of community and the need to stand together in solidarity, becomes the foundation for a new way of moving through the world, with connection and compassion at its centre.’

Stay in touch, keep connected and take care of yourselves – and others.

#chooseempathy #randomactsofkindness #radicalniceness

Empathy in a Time of Crisis – 9

Continuing our blog about this time of global crisis from the perspective of a voluntary team, taking each day as it comes. Thank you for reading.

What’s in a photo…?

Someone in the early 20th century is supposed to have said: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Here we are a century later, in the grip of a pandemic, and these words are amplified. In our technological age we can connect with each other in virtual ways, and so we are able to enjoy an extra special dimension to life. Grandparents can applaud their grandchildren’s first steps via FaceTime, lessons and plays are delivered online, and photos stream to our screens as loved ones share beautiful views or a smile from a familiar face.

Telling stories through photos is something Empathy Action has been exploring this week. At a time when we are far apart, it continues to be a wonderful way for us to stay together. Here are our stories, from afternoon tea to garden magic. We hope you enjoy them.

: Garden Joy

: Being the Youngest

: Together

: Catch a Rainbow

: Washing Line?

: Gamers

: Miaow

: Miaow to you too!

: Solidarity

: Rooms

: Afternoon Tea

: New Skills

: Siblings

The power of a simple series of photographs to narrate one of the key stories of today, and do good at the same time, is clear to see here. Ordinary, yet extraordinary, people taking photos with their phones of life and work in our hospitals in order to create a short fund-raising film focusing on the ‘hands that make us proud’.

Stay safe, keep connected, and please do get in touch with your own photo stories. We would love to see them.

#chooseempathy #sharestories

Empathy in a Time of Crisis – 8

Continuing our blog about this time of global crisis from the perspective of a voluntary team, taking each day as it comes. Thank you for reading.

Hope is Contagious – A Rainbow Campaign Update

Over the last week – week 8 of this new world – our Rainbow Campaign has continued to blossom. By mid-week, Sandy, our Innovations Manager, had posted over 90 rainbows across the country. The messages that accompanied each rainbow were beautiful, full of love and thanks; an expression of solidarity and care.

Then, something amazing began to happen. As the rainbows reached their destinations, we, in turn, began to receive messages as the recipient shared their love and thanks to the sender. Over the following days, we started to receive more rainbow orders, this time from those who had been sent a rainbow.

Their message of hope was growing.

And it didn’t stop there. From the incredible generosity of those who were able to make donations, Empathy Action, in turn, has been able to help Vashavi, our amazing makers. Lockdown in South Africa has been very difficult for this group of displaced artisans. Unable to sell their beautiful beaded goods on the streets to tourists and, with the prospect of minimal tourism in the next few months, they are struggling to make ends meet. Funds raised by the Rainbow Campaign have meant that Empathy Action were able to help cover the rent on Vashavi’s accommodation, hopefully providing some stability for the artisans at this difficult time.

We’ve been watching in awe at how one small act – the sending of a rainbow – sparks another and another. Whether it’s brightening a teacher’s ‘tricky day’ or ensuring shelter in a time of need, each small action carries its own magic; a message of solidarity and hope.

As Sandy, our Innovations Manager, has said “It’s been a huge privilege to be conveying the beautiful messages that people are sending.”

We still have some Rainbows and we’d love to send them for you!

Please do get in touch and spread the message of hope and solidarity – empathy in a time of crisis.

Rainbow Empathy in a Time of Crisis – 7

Team Empathy Journal – Part 7

Continuing our blog about this time of global crisis from the perspective of a voluntary team, taking each day as it comes. Thank you for reading.

Last weekend saw the launch of our fabulous Rainbow Campaign. So many heart-warming words have come our way:

“These beaded curios take me right back to happy times … I would love to brighten up a little lonely low patch.”

“I wish I could send them across the world.”

One friend wrote to say how wonderful it was to be able to “shift mindsets with a simple trigger.”

As our Innovations Manager, Sandy says, “It’s been a huge privilege to be conveying the beautiful messages that people are sending.”

So it’s probably time to meet our Rainbow Makers … the Vashavi, the amazing artisans behind these symbols of hope.

Based in Cape Town, Patmore Mphepo and his team of 12 work from home – a house with two bedrooms (some of the artisans sleep in the sitting room). They start work each morning at 6am, crafting Rainbows and other gifts by hand. The best days are when an order is received. On other days, the craftsmen go out and sell what they’ve made on the streets. But selling like this is nigh on impossible with the current crisis, and life will become even harder in the coming months as Winter arrives in South Africa.

Patmore and his co-workers are from Zimbabwe, but came to South Africa with the aim of earning money to support their families, which is why “nothing makes us happier than having orders, meaning that our families are taken care of.”

Patmore continues, “Selling handicrafts makes a huge difference to our lives and that of our families. The money is spent on sending our kids to school. Some buy medication for their family members which is in short supply in Zimbabwe.”

The men take great pride in their craft, and are passing on their skills to younger people who have followed in their footsteps in search of a better life. They also love “putting smiles on our family members’ faces when they receive trinkets from us.”

We asked Patmore what his greatest fear is. He replied, “Going without work, knowing that at the end of the month we need to pay our rent and send groceries home to Zimbabwe.”

Patmore hopes that in the future he and his team, “might work from the comfort of our own country.”

He also hopes that the people who buy their gifts “know that they are making a difference not only to the artists but to their immediate families.”

If you would like to send a Rainbow to a special person you care about, we still have a few left. Thank you so much for your support.

Stay in touch, keep connected and take care of yourselves – and others.

#chooseempathy #rainbow #lockdownlove #hope #giftsthatgivetwice

Empathy in a Time of Crisis – 6

Team Empathy Journal – Part 6

Continuing our blog about this time of global crisis from the perspective of a voluntary team, taking each day as it comes. Thank you for reading.

As we all navigate these unprecedented times, we know it is the small things that make a difference to our week – the acts of kindness, the rainbows hanging in the windows as we walk by, the glimpse of familiar and beloved faces on Facetime and Zoom. Each of us has our own unique way of managing our days. This week, we thought we would take the opportunity to ask one of our brilliant volunteers, Janet, to share how she has been managing these last six weeks.

1. Where are you spending your lockdown?

At home with my husband of 38 years!

2. What is helping you navigate these difficult and unprecedented times?

Being with Hubby!

Lectio365 – Bible and prayer to start each day.

Spring awakening, birdsong,

Walking, gardening, keeping in touch with folks.

Managing anxiety by being careful not to OD on news, turning off technology, and escaping to National Theatre Live, Andrew Lloyd Webber The Show Must Go On and on Netflix, Ann with an E! Oh and cooking!!

3. Have there been highlights?

The weather, and the light on the spring flowers,

Lack of noise from Gatwick!

4. What has surprised you most?

How tired I’ve been and how long it’s taken to do things.

5. What are you most looking forward to when this time has passed?

* Seeing our sons and especially our new granddaughter.

* Other family and friends.

* Visiting National Trust gardens, art galleries and the beach.

* Driving through Europe or hoping on a plane to visit our sons in Germany and Spain!

6. What is your go-to lockdown book/podcast/movie/tv show?

Anne with an E on Netflix.

NT live.

7. Best lockdown larder tip?

* Pulses! Flexible, cheap and good for protein.

* Bulk cook and freeze.

8. How are you keeping in touch with friends and family?

Zoom

FaceTime

Skype

Telephone

Neighbours – socially distanced conversations out the front or over the fence.

Thank you so much, Janet.

Janet is one of our amazing Team Empathy volunteers and helps in our Poverty Trap and Desperate Journeys immersive experiences.

If you’re interested in helping us craft a little more empathy in the world then we’d love to speak to you!

Our small but wonderful team is made up of people like Janet, who believe in a world where people care deeply about each other and are moved to take compassionate action to help those less privileged than themselves.

Please do get in touch!

Stay in touch, keep connected and take care of yourselves – and others.

#chooseempathy #randomactsofkindness #radicalniceness