The winds of change…. managing change during changing times

One of my favourite quotes is by the iconic actor James Dean, who said “I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” 

During this awful pandemic we’ve all been forced to adjust our sails, in ways we could never have imagined. Those working for the charity and voluntary sector are no exception, as the needs of their beneficiaries have changed (and in many cases increased), whilst face to face services have been thwarted, venues have been forced to close, staff have been furloughed, not to mention fundraising events that have been thrown overboard.

sailboat.jpg

In my work as Community Development Officer at Community Chesterfield, I’ve been amazed by the many different ways that the organisations we support have simply kept going and worked collaboratively to steer a steady course through the lockdown and into this new phase of rebuilding.

Of course many of the usual day to day services have had to be shelved due to the social distancing restrictions, but organisations have been quick to adapt by providing support and services digitally and co-ordinating an army of volunteers to reach out to those who are most desperately in need in our communities.

I’m particularly impressed by the way that Our Vision, Our Future quickly adapted their activities, by organising socially distanced walks, accessible cycling, games in the park; as well as choir and chair exercise via Zoom.

Rhubarb Farm began offering telephone support to those they could not support in person and following the closure of their community café back in March they have delivered some 600 meals to the isolated and vulnerable, so they can still benefit from some social contact.

Meanwhile Our Compassionate Friends, who support bereaved parents and their families, have continued to provide a lifeline to those who are coping with loss through a variety of online support groups for people bereaved through substance or alcohol abuse- ensuring that people do not feel alone in their grief. 

It is this ability to quickly modify service delivery or to innovate to do what needs to be done which is so remarkable.

As we all adjust to the ‘new normal’ (whatever that means) the continued resilience and adaptability of the many wonderful charities and voluntary groups across Chesterfield is going to be vital.

Back by popular demand, we’re delighted to offer the return of a vital workshop (paid for by our lottery funding) on 7th July (9.00am- 9.45am), delivered by Andrew Deighton of AWD Development Solutions, which will provide guidance on how to keep colleagues motivated, valued and feeling part of the change process during our adaptation to our new ways of working. Check out our Eventbrite page for further details and to reserve your place here.

Alison Gibson

Community Development Worker

Images: Sailboat by Lurens

Dandylion by Blickpixel

from Pixabay

Community Chesterfield