In moments of crisis, we often instinctively turn to those closest to us: friends, family, a trusted mentor perhaps. It’s a natural response, seeking comfort and guidance from those who know us best.
In 2015, for example, I hit rock bottom. Made Open was struggling and my knee pain was so bad I could barely walk the boys to school. A simple Skype call with my friend in Canada changed everything. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
But what if our inner circle isn’t enough? Are there times when a wider network can offer the support and resources that close friends and family simply can’t? And what are the benefits of expanding our social circles?
Covid certainly made many of us rethink who we turn to for help and, thankfully, people helped their neighbours in ways we hadn’t seen before. Businesses too.
But did this actually change our social circles in the long run? Or have things simply returned to how they were before?
During Covid, our community platforms became so popular that we invested our entire Small Business Grant Fund into urgent upgrades! Each day, new offers of help were being added to our platforms ten to the dozen. It was very uplifting.
There were unexpected heroes everywhere filling the gaps where the state was lacking. My favourite listing was the Bodmin Bikers offering to collect prescriptions for the elderly. What a great image!
It prompted me to reflect (in a blog) at the time: “Can communities and businesses, not just governments and institutions, take the lead in building back better?”
In hindsight, I feel that question was a bit lofty but one thing I feel is certainly true: Covid taught us the importance of community and kindness in times of need. It proved that while we often lean on friends and family, there’s real value in expanding our ‘circle of trust’ beyond close relationships.
That’s what inspired me to create Time4Good – a platform where small acts of kindness can create lasting change in communities.
In the meantime, if you’re ever unsure how to help a neighbour in need, remember – the key thing is to make the connection. Even asking for help (even if you don’t need it) can make someone feel a whole lot better about themselves.
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The ‘squeezy balls’ tag is a bit of a light-hearted poke at the many high-brow thinkers I’ve met over the years who enjoy contemplating the meaning of life but offer very little by way of practical wisdom. WIB is my opportunity to put the world to rights too, with my squeezy balls 🥷