Dear Mighty Herd
From time to time infectious diseases develop into epidemics or pandemics, and create increased risks for the community. COVID-19 is of real concern and we want to do all we can to flatten the curve. Social distancing is one way we can show people that they are loved. Please know that we love you!
Our team in Australia is currently working from home and practising social distancing as much as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are relying on tech for all of our communications which is actually not much of a change for us with most of our global meetings conducted online or by telephone.
Putting public interest and safety first, we have cancelled, postponed or reinvented fundraising events for the time being. This will be a devastating financial blow to our core work of getting children out of orphanages and back home, where they belong. Please keep an eye out for fundraising ‘events’ you may want to participate in, promoting through your networks and among the people you love.
You can text REUNITE to 0437 371 371 to make a tax-deductible donation at any time. Every little bit helps. A receipt for your donation will be issued directly.
Our global response
We have postponed most face to face events, meetings and gatherings guided by the information and directions provided by local health authorities and the World Health Organisation, and its occupational health and safety obligations.
We will assist children, staff and others, as relevant, to minimise their exposure to COVID-19. Personal and communal hygiene including extra care with handwashing and sanitising is expected and soap/sanitiser available.
As far as possible, FMN requires all employees (including temporary, casual, fixed-term, part-time and full-time employees), directors, officers, contractors (including employees of contractors) volunteers, suppliers and consultants, to take the following precautions:
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
- Maintain at least 2 metre (6 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, or shaking hands with others.
- Make sure you follow good hygiene and encourage others to do the same. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, and disposing of used tissues immediately.
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you are well enough to work but would like to minimise the risk of infecting others, ask your supervisor whether you can temporarily work from home.
- Keep up to date on the latest hotspots (cities or local areas where the pandemic or epidemic is spreading widely). If possible, avoid travelling to places – especially if you are more at risk.
- If you are or are likely to be contagious, notify your supervisor as soon as possible. It may be possible or necessary for you to self-isolate by staying at home until you recover.
- Seek medical advice promptly and follow the directions of your local health authority.
Our global teams are resourced and working from home. We will continue to provide as many of our usual services as we can. We are providing extra support to children and their families using technology while countries are in lock down.
For those of you in Australia
We recommend www.healthdirect.gov.au for the latest advice, information and resources about COVID-19. You can call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line 24/7 on 1800 020 080 or look up your state or territory public health agency at www.health.gov.au/state-territory-contacts and if you have concerns about your health, speak to your doctor.
Australia’s National Mental Health Commission #InThisTogether campaign provides the following tips to stay mentally healthy during this pandemic.
Follow the facts
Watching, reading and listening to negative news in large amounts can make us feel more anxious. Take a break from the all-day news cycle and only follow factual information. Talk, don't just type
Staying connected emotionally and socially is very important. Let’s actually talk, and not just type. Hearing familiar voices and seeing familiar faces will be critical in tackling isolation and difficult feelings – if you can, use your phones and computers to hear and see each other, and be heard.Routine helps
For many, our daily routine has changed, and we need to set a new routine, especially in isolation. Keep good routines including sleeping, exercising and healthy eating. Ideally, block out some hours to stay offline, and lock in some time to connect with loved ones.Take a break
Take regular breaks from work, news, phone calls and family demands. Your mind needs to rest and time to reboot to reduce anxiety and stress; You will benefit from ‘switching off’. Taking some time each day to do something that allows your mind to relax is good for your mental health. If you notice your breathing is short and shallow, there are apps that can help with controlling and slowing breathing and the mind. Smiling Mind is a free one for adults and kids.Get sweaty
Even the smallest amount of exercise has great benefits for your physical and mental health. Try not to sit in one place all day. If you can, go for a walk, run or ride outdoors by yourself. If you’re staying inside– YouTube is your friend with thousands of free exercise guides from stretching to high intensity.Financial stress is real
Financial stress is a reality for many of us at the moment. It will have an impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Knowing this, and taking action will help you feel more in control. Talk to an expert, and seek help for your finances and your mental wellbeing.Play your part
The most important thing is to remember that we can make a difference, and we are. Each day we are making a decision as to how we can safeguard and protect our family, our friends and our community. We can find ways to give our healthcare workers an extra buffer of protection. The daily decisions we make are now important – our individual acts have a powerful collective impact. We’re in this together and everyone has a part to play.Keep kids communicating
Let children know it is OK to be worried, and talk about their feelings. If you’re a parent/carer, work with your children to establish new routines for the whole family. Help them to stay connected with their friends, and reserve special times in the day for fun activities. Challenge them and yourself to have ‘COVID-19 free talk time’. Please seek support for you or your children if you need to.Stay connected
Staying at home can be lonely but there are things that can help. It’s more important than ever that you stay socially and emotionally connected even if you are physically distancing. Make a daily commitment to connect with families, friends and your communities. Be creative in the way you connect and help those who may not be technologically savvy to navigate connection during this time. Older people, families who live with violence and people who live alone, may feel overwhelmed and frightened at the moment. Please know there are people who can support you, so reach out and ask for help from friends, family, a trusted neighbour or from a support service.Check in & be kind to yourself
Check-in with yourself and be kind. Some of us may be providing support to many people at the moment. Don’t forget that this is challenging for everyone and you need to take care of you also. Learn and practice new coping skills. Monitor how YOU are feeling and seek support when you need it. At this time of anxiety and concern, be kind to yourself.Helpers need help too
Our essential workforce is under incredible pressure at the moment. They need our understanding and support. Let’s remember to thank them for the work they are doing. It is also critical that they seek support for their mental health when they are not coping.Reach out
Some people may live alone, and may not have close friends or family near them. We are all stronger when we build and maintain our local communities and culture, so let’s cast our net wide and get creative about building our connected communities.Seek support
Everyone of all ages is being challenged by COVID-19. Each of us will need to build new skills and need support in different ways to understand our feelings, and learn strategies to better cope with anxiety and uncertainty. Services are available to help everyone. For some of us who already live with mental ill health we will need more support at this time. Your treatment and care at the moment will be different, and it may involve using the phone and internet to connect with support.Please do what you can to look after yourself, stay connected and reach out when you need to.
Big love
Andrea Nave
CEO