Community responses in times of crisis

In this essay, Steve Wyler takes a look at some of the worst crises in our history and considers how we can engage with these examples to understand the responses to COVID-19 in 2020. 

Community groups mobilised themselves with striking efficiency, while complying with rules around social distancing and isolation. It wasn’t long before these groups identified their most vulnerable neighbours and rallied to provide these residents with the support they needed. From remote mental health outreach in the suburbs of Manchester to tailored food packages in York, it was clear that the people in these communities knew what was required.  

Writing amid a national lockdown, Steve speaks to residents from four different areas of the country to find out more about their projects and how Big Local has provided the solid foundations these communities need to respond to crisis in a rapid and robust way.