Guidance for Coaches: COVID-19

Coronavirus Support for Our Coaches: Remembering What is Important

Coronavirus is at the front of everyone’s mind at the moment. Discussion of the virus currently dominates our news, conversations and thoughts, with an overload of information available at every turn. Amongst this climate of distress, it’s important to focus on what is important.

At CoachBright, our wonderful community of social justice warriors are of paramount importance to us. This is what has been at the heart of our decision to postpone the remainder of our programmes and events. 

Our amazing coaches are in a unique position of largely living in temporary locations close to their universities, often away from their loved ones and in sometimes unfamiliar surroundings. We have had so many lovely messages from our coaches updating us with their travel plans and sharing their appreciation for being part of our programmes. This has brought so much joy to us across our regions and this is a huge testament for what kind people you all are. Thank you all for joining us with such enthusiasm, compassion and diligence in fighting for social mobility and social justice throughout the UK. 

We are indeed living in unprecedented times and we would like you all to remember the following three aspects to focus on what is important for you.

Mental Health and Wellbeing  

Often the most neglected area amongst global panic, it is essential to remember to look after your mental health and wellbeing in however works best for you. We recommend:

-       Getting fresh air and appreciating natural beauty wherever possible. Could you take 5 deep breaths at your front door/an open window in the morning? Could you take time to appreciate the night’s sky?

-       Increasing digital connection with those closest to you through regular online check-ins and sharing positive content. Could you send a song of the day to your loved ones?

-       Limit exposure to new updates as much as possible. Could you implement a news-free hour a day? Could you follow @thehappynewspaper on Instagram for positive updates?

Personal Health and Safety

-       Please follow Coronavirus advice from the NHS online

-       Make sure you are aware of how to stay safe at home

-       Keep updated with latest Government guidance

Maintaining the Safety of Others and your Community

-       Always remember to be kind and think of the effects on those less fortunate.

-       Support those in your local vicinity wherever possible. Could you text your neighbour to check how they are doing?

-       Think about acting in a way that best supports everyone you live with, especially those who are more vulnerable.

What’s next for our programmes you may ask? All graduation events will be rearranged for a later date that will be communicated to you all at first instance.

JOIN THE CAMPAIGNS

In light of current events, we’re also launching a couple of campaigns and would love your help in rallying for the cause!

Virtual coaching

We’re currently looking into the best way for us all to be able to continue to support our pupils no matter where we are. This will be through virtual/online coaching! You can sign up to join the coach community and provide valuable help at bit.ly/virtualcoachbright. We’d also love your friends, family and anyone else that can help out to sign up and help us make this a (virtual) reality.

Campaign against holiday hunger

We’ll be writing another blog post soon about our campaign to help reduce the holiday hunger that will undoubtedly be faced by our free school meals/pupil premium pupils in the coming weeks. You can find out more by keeping up to date with us on social media, through this blog and by checking your whatsapp groups/emails.

The CoachBright Team