Helping others during the coronavirus outbreak

The coronavirus pandemic has led to many people experiencing challenges in their personal as well as professional lives. Association for Project Management (APM) employees have been finding ways to help friends, loved ones and the NHS.

Supporting the NHS

Lauren Humphrey, business development coordinator, completed the Run for Heroes challenge, in which people are nominated online to run 5k and donate £5 to the NHS. The viral trend has so far raised millions of pounds for NHS Charities Together. Lauren said: "I was nominated by my friend's husband who runs Iron Man Triathlons, which I thought was grossly unfair! But I put feet to concrete on a lovely sunny evening and took my daughter out for a bike ride at the same time too. Quality time spent with my daughter, money raised and fundraising traction made.”

Volunteering in the community

Helen Armitage, procurement and supplier relationship manager, has been helping vulnerable people in her local area as a Community Responder. She said: “You can choose options to either be a listening ear (call and chat), get groceries or take people to hospital appointments. You download an app and report ‘on duty’ whenever you have free time.”

Helping a friend

Tariq Bhatti, credit manager, helped a friend to navigate the universal credit application process. Tariq’s friend had to stop working as a taxi driver during the coronavirus pandemic as he has diabetes. He had difficulty completing the universal credit application himself, so Tariq helped him complete the details and submit his claim. Tariq said: “My friend was in danger of getting evicted because he fell behind with his rent but he is now paid up to date as the universal credit payment includes housing benefit.”

Being a good neighbour

Rebecca Fox, head of membership, joined her local Good Neighbour Scheme. She commented: “I volunteer to drive people, collect prescriptions, do food shopping, befriend people or whatever requests come through. It is true when they say that joy comes from helping others.”