Covid-19: Businesses and community organisations help out
Many businesses were forced to close or adapt during the lockdown. Non-essential shops had to close and restaurants switched to takeaway services.
Some businesses changed the way they worked to support essential workers or the vulnerable who were isolating at home. For example, some small shops provided a delivery service for those unable to get food or delivered cooked meals to the vulnerable.
To support essential workers, local businesses sent them gifts such as free cakes and coffee.
There was a shortage of many items, particularly toilet roll and hand sanitiser. One Oxford distillery switched from making spirits to hand sanitiser for care homes, hospitals and those at risk in the local community.
Many support groups were formed to coordinate delivering help to vulnerable people. These include five Response Hubs, set up by Oxford City Council and Oxford Hub, to provide urgent support to residents with unmet needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new support groups often bridged distinct communities and organisations and provide a foundation for collaboration in the future.
You can explore some of the organisations that were involved in supporting vulnerable people on the map below. Zoom in to see individual items and click on them to read their stories.