As we return to working from home, it can be easy to get lost in the headlines and get stuck in a rut. Let us not forget about that local community spirit that helped us get through the last lockdown.
Although COVID-19 is impacting the world in ways that we never could have anticipated; remember local businesses are the backbone of our communities and the main drivers of a healthy local economy – be proud of them. However, the risk of staying closed for good is still lingering – support them.
Here are our best tips on how you can do your bit to support local businesses right now.
Order a takeout or delivery – Dine “out” in the safety of your own home
Ordering takeout or delivery from your local restaurants and cafes is a great way to have something to look forward to during the week, while also supporting your local hospitality industry and you’re also helping to pay the wages for your neighbour down the road. Not only will you be able to relax and feast without spending hours preparing food in the kitchen, but you will also help keep food culture alive in your area.
Majority of places have gone online so try that place you have always wanted without by ordering online for collection, so you are not standing out in the freezing cold. Don’t forget to check out or menu on our website – freshly prepared meals by our highly skilled chefs.
Shop local – support local
Avoid the utter chaos of crowds and consider turning to your local shops for your household and general supplies. Not only will you help your local businesses to sell, but you’ll also create a positive flow-on effect by support all the local suppliers such as the farmer a few miles down the road.
Whether it’s a bag of coffee beans from your favourite cafe, or fruit from the local fruit & veg shop, your support now during these crucial times will help heighten the chance of these local businesses sticking around until the dust settles.
Leave a positive review – big or small
It’s not all about financial support, word of mouth is a great way to get a business name out there. You can uplift an entire community by leaving great reviews online or simply send in the company website and a little review into your WhatsApp group – all support is welcome. Not only are you helping the company but you’re also helping your friends find that gem you have uncovered. Those few minutes serve as a huge boost of moral support to the self-employed and small business owners who rely solely on themselves to hold up their main source of income.
Look out for each other
If you’re supporting local businesses, chances are, you know them through someone, or they are your neighbour – it’s Ireland. Although you may only know each other within a business setting, local businesses are ultimately also run by people—people who are most likely riding the same rollercoaster of heightened emotions, just like yourself.
In these times of uncertainty when many things feel fragile, remember to extend a hand to local businesses as not just a customer, but as a caring neighbour as well. Look out for each other and offer to help where you can, it doesn’t cost anything to be nice.
There’s no doubt that communities are always stronger together, especially in times like these. By supporting your local businesses, not only will you help maintain you’re the local community enviornment, but you’ll also help ensure that local businesses survive and will be there at the end of it.
Feeling stressed or anxious lately? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Please remember you are not alone.
HSE: Text YMH to 50808
Pieta House: 1800 247 247
Samaritans: 116 123
Aware: 1800 80 48 48
Womens Aid: 1800 341 900