We can forge a new path now we know what’s really important in life – Amelia Morgan

If we do nothing the impact of this crisis will fall disproportionately on poor families and communities writes Amelia Morgan

Green spaces can be used to help more people to cope with stress and anxieties and reduce the risk of lasting trauma.

The response to coronavirus has resulted in extreme measures unseen in our lifetimes. Everyone has been asked to make sacrifices. Scotland will come through this, but we must ensure that the inequality that already existed in our communities doesn’t grow. There is a very real danger that too many people living in deep pockets of poverty will come up short in terms of equity of opportunity.

Inequality should be consigned to the past

The groundswell of government-led support and grassroots help shows what can be achieved. It has forced us to learn a lot very quickly: we need to build on this rather than go back to business as usual. Scotland can move forward decisively to create better foundations so that people are at the centre rather than returning to outmoded, divisive systems often leaving some people behind.

Amelia Morgan, Venture Trust chief executive.

The financial safety net created by government has protected many during the crisis and whilst the nature of work will change, continuing financial support for businesses and employees can act like a valve to release the pressure and worries for families as we make the journey toward a new normal. Recovery will not be the time for further austerity, we’ll need this safety net or we risk extended harm to everyone’s futures especially those disproportionately affected by the crisis, and frankly storing up trouble.

If we act now, we will protect more futures. We know from the evidence of the 2008 financial crash that if we do nothing the economic impact of this crisis will fall disproportionately on poor families and communities, and on young people at the start of their careers. Investing in young people, especially those at significant risk of being left behind, will enable us to support them to build the skills and foundations for greater resilience whilst they navigate taking up training opportunities or maximising their chances of getting in, and staying in work.

Inclusive, resilient and connected

Joined-up social services will be vital to help families, especially where relationships are frayed and lives are disrupted. Taking a compassionate approach to help people nurture their wellbeing and important relationships with others will reduce stress at home and help us to cope. Concerns about the risk of harm being on the rise in a time of great uncertainty quite rightly need immediate intervention and during recovery greater support to those who need it is both necessary and within Scotland’s reach.

Conversations are a lifeline in lockdown: trying to find a way through when relationships can be fragile, home is not comforting and worries about the future are so apparent. In the last five weeks the Venture Trust team has been in weekly contact with more than 250 people, being there as a friendly, trusted connection to listen and offer support. Requests for counselling support are particularly acute and we expect this to increase so we’re working to ensure our team can use technology flexibly to offer support to those who need it. When the time is right, we’ll also be back outside, and increasing our counselling in communities and local parks and gardens, to help more people to cope with stress and anxieties and reduce the risk of lasting trauma.

Changing the dynamic

Responding to a recent YouGov survey, commissioned by the RSA, the majority (85 per cent) wanted recovery to bring significant changes in their relationships with family and friends, food and environment. The demands of lockdown and physical distancing have shifted our perspective fundamentally – what’s important to us; checking in on others, feeling connected to the outside world, accessing quality outdoor space for exercise and getting basic provisions. But it also means changes to routines, the confines of home and worries about loved ones and finances.

A new path

A new ‘normal’ may be shortly upon us, but what is it we want for Scotland in the future? Before the crisis, a conversation was happening about placing wellbeing at the centre as a measure of our quality of life. As we re-set and re-start plans for recovery, with all our newfound learning and insight of what its important in life, we can put ourselves on a new path which offers greater happiness and wellbeing alongside improved prospects for everyone. We have much to do and we need time to recover so let’s ensure we are aspirational, inclusive and compassionate and work together. Scotland and its people deserve no less.

For more information visit our ­website, www.venturetrust.org.uk

Amelia Morgan, Venture Trust chief executive.