The Coronavirus Outbreak Is Happening

People are panicking and stockpiling – but in many cases, they are coming together more than ever before and creating positive news stories with acts of care and generosity.

This is a dark and uncertain time for companies as well as individuals – but there are countless instances of people and collectives using their resources to help communities, pivoting their offerings to assist both staff and customers and just plain trying to stay positive and be a light in the dark for other.

Here are some positive stories which have arisen since the COVID-19 crisis.

TikTok begins #HappyAtHome nightly programming

What is it? Social platform enlisting high profile influencers to create content for people at home

Critical Need Served: Entertainment, motivation, education – at a time when we most need it

Why It Works: Young people are already using TikTok – this harnesses the platform to send a positive message

Joe Wicks’ 9am PE lessons via YouTube for kids home from school

What is it? The Body Coach – a fitness influencer – is running free YouTube PE classes now schools close

Critical Need Served: Keeping kids healthy during school lockdown – and giving parents a break from homeschooling

Why It Works: Joe is using his skillset and fame altruistically – and parents are grateful. He’s been trending in the UK for 2 days since launch

Brewdog turns over stills to make hand sanitiser

What is it? The Scottish brewery has taken up production of hand sanitiser using beer-making facilities

Critical Need Served: Hand sanitiser is in huge demand as panic buying has depleted supplies – Brewdog is helping get supplies to who needs it

Why It Works: Brewdog is not selling the product but rather giving it away to those who need it most  – charity, using the resources they have

WHO launches WhatsApp chatbot to counter misinformation

What is it? The World Health Organisation has launched a chatbot to educate people about COVID-19

Critical Need Served: Fake news is rife at times of crisis and people need the right info to make the right choices

Why It Works: WhatsApp has 1.5B active users in 180 countries – huge reach for an info campaign

CBRE sets up COVID hub to support NHS

What is it? CBRE are actively seeking vacant properties which could house NHS workers

Critical Need Served: Many frontline health workers cannot risk families by living at home while exposed

Why It Works: Using access to property owners and developers to offer a service which could save lives

Arnie Keeps Spirits High And Spreads The Message To Stay Home

What is it? Arnie asks people to stay safe, stay home

Critical Need Served: Voice of positivity and calm in face of panic, ignoring advice

Why It Works: Well known celebrity and cute animals – a recipe for success

WWF UK Shares Positive Wildlife Stories Every Day To Lift Spirits

What is it? #OneSmileEachDay hashtag to share positive news

Critical Need Served: Good news in the face of deluge of negativity

Why It Works: Lifting spirits with positive stories from nature

Shedd Aquarium Lets The Penguins Explore During Closure

What is it? Aquarium shares penguins exploring

Critical Need Served: Light-hearted entertainment during crisis

Why It Works: Silver lining of mass closures

Hospital Sends Tom Hanks Some Self-Isolation Company

What is it?A hospital sent Tom Hanks a Wilson as company

Critical Need Served: A smile during a dark time

Why It Works: Humour in face of adversity, positive diagnosis

Sorry – this one was FAKE NEWS (which is rife during times of crisis)

Burnt Soul Clothing Shares Positive ‘Stories’ On Instagram

What is it? Good news Instagram Stories

Critical Need Served: Reminder there is still good news out there

Why It Works: Simple, quick, accessible

Blue Cross Finding The Positives – For Pets

What is it? Twitter poll asking about cats enjoying new work habits

Critical Need Served: Twitter poll asking about cats enjoying new work habits

Why It Works: Light-hearted without being insensitive

Online Choir Launches Via Video Link

What is it? Online video choir launched

Critical Need Served: Tackling loneliness and boredom

Why It Works: Accessible for most with a laptop or phone

Terra Chips Tries Out Some Light Stockpiling Humour

What is it? Gentle joke about stockpiling loo roll

Critical Need Served: Humour in dark times, poking fun at current madness

Why It Works: Gentle humour – not punching down or victimising any party

Museum Curators Make Short Videos About Favourite Pieces

What is it? Bringing museum pieces to the public via Twitter

Critical Need Served: Relieving boredom, giving access to venues which are closed

Why It Works: Generosity of experts sharing their knowledge, easy to consume

Soho House Shares Signature Cocktail Recipe Videos

What is it? Cocktail recipe videos from founder of Soho House

Critical Need Served: Access to a much loved signature cocktail while in lock down

Why It Works: Ability to continue enjoying life despite quarantine

Cult Bakery Teaches Customers How To Bake At Home

What is it? Online baking tutorials featuring favourite products

Critical Need Served: Put free time to use by learning a new skill

Why It Works: Accessible and educational for quarantined people

Pret Supports Key Workers And The Vulnerable

What is it? Pret helping in real terms by offering products for key workers, vulnerable

Critical Need Served: Food for those who urgently need comfort, support and care

Why It Works: Direct help for vulnerable people and front line workers

Bars Are Pivoting To Delivery – And Throwing In Loo Roll

What is it? Bars pivoting their offerings to tailor to self-isolating customers

Critical Need Served: Ability to enjoy normal life from home – and access to scarce loo roll

Why It Works: Ability to support local business is a priority for many at the moment

Ascot Switches Social Media To Messages Of Hope And Positivity

What is it? While racing suspended Ascot has switched social media to positive news

Critical Need Served: Uplifting messages at a difficult time

Why It Works: Positivity in the news feed is welcome at times of crisis

Hallmark Brings Back Unseasonable But Much Needed Cheer

What is it? Cult Christmas movies being made accessible out of season

Critical Need Served: Escapist movies bring joy to many in difficult times

Why It Works: Recognition this is extraordinary time for dedicated fan-base

Pub Quizzes Go Digital

What is it? Pub quizzes move to live video streaming

Critical Need Served: Entertainment and normality during self-isolation

Why It Works: Continued employment for quizmasters and entertainment for quizzers

Cincinnati Zoo Runs Video Safaris For Kids Who Are At Home

What is it? Live-streaming educational content for kids on Facebook

Critical Need Served: Access to the zoo and educational materials – plus a break for parents

Why It Works: Accessible, fun,  educational, gives access to a closed facility