Life during lockdown

The past few weeks have been a strange and uncertain time for many of us, with everyday life now looking very differently. Our days are filled with video calls, parents learning (very quickly) how to become teachers and queuing outside empty shops to buy whatever is left on the shelf.  

It’s not often an issue affects a nation like this, but we have learnt to adapt quickly to a new normal! 

What have we been up to? 

As an essential service, we have continued to provide collections across London and the South East. By keeping recycling moving, we’re helping our clients stay hygienic during Coronavirus. In response to UK Government guidelines staff are working from home wherever possible, but it was important to us to keep connected and look after staff wellbeing. From B.Y.O office drinks and macramé video tutorials, to charity runs and food banks, us Paper Rounder’s have stuck together and stayed connected.  

What have our community been up to? 

We are proud to work with a network of amazing businesses and charities in and around London and the South East who, whilst being affected by Coronavirus, have shown acts of kindness and are really making a difference right now. Here’s what they have been up to...  

Fareshare 

We have worked with Fareshare for several years, donating the value of 1 meal, for every food waste collection we make in London. As a national network of food redistribution centres, their goal throughout this crisis has been to ensure that vulnerable people in the community do not go hungry. They managed to get 90% more food out to frontline charities than in the month before the crisis began.  Head to their website to donate.

The Children’s Literacy Charity  

Thousands of parents around the UK have found themselves in a new job role... as teacher. A stressful time for many, particularly those trying to hold down a full-time job. The Children’s Literacy Charity who provide literacy lessons have created a handy guide for home learning – available for free on their website. Check out the useful tips. 

Baker Street Quarter Partnership 

Our longstanding client Baker Street Quarter Partnership is supporting the community through their Smarter Giving programme which has seen a huge stream of support and volunteers. From cash support and food banks to stationery and crafting donations, their businesses have really helped the local community. We also played a small part by offering our vehicles up to help deliver goods and donations to local community groups.  

Wahaca  

The essence of the hospitality industry is social interaction, so it’s no wonder this industry has been hit hard by recent events. However, amidst concerns of closures, we are seeing lots of adaptation and acts of kindness. Wahaca for example, have teamed up with COOK-19 and set up a charity kitchen, cooking meals and delivering them directly to NHS ICU departments and key workers in isolation. 

The Hyatt Regency London 

Luxury hotel, the Hyatt Regency has been busy donating sofas and consoles to the West London Mission a charity helping homelessness, poverty and trauma.   

London Metropolitan University 

As all educational facilities have gone online, London Met donated £14,000 of food to vulnerable Islington residents. This food would normally have been sold in their canteens and catering outlets but instead it was given to those in need.   

Although lockdown has been tough, we are proud to work with an amazing team and we look forward to getting back to work and helping our clients on their route to sustainability!