FOR most of the people I write about on a daily basis, social distancing is the opposite of everything they stand for.

The need to put space between us as the coronavirus spreads will put pressure on those who, often on top of day jobs and other responsibilities, work flat out to keep our communities together.

The food poverty groups, intergenerational projects, neighbourhood meal organisers and more, who go above and beyond to help others, are going to be some of the hardest hit in the coming weeks.

But they could also be the answer to the question most right-thinking people are asking themselves at the moment – what can I do to help?

Through my Streets Ahead and Community Champions campaigns in The Herald’s sister title The Glasgow Times, I write about the groups and individuals helping those living difficult lives across the city.

Typically, in times of crisis such as these, they find even more ways to reach out to those in need – stepping up, as always, in the face of dire need.

Contrast this with the indecisive Prime Minister, the greedy billionaire airline boss looking for a state hand-out, the ‘it-won’t-affect-me-as-I’m-young-and-healthy’ brigade and the selfish shoppers panic-buying hand gel by the gallon-load, and it gives you some idea of the horrible division which exists in our society.

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In Glasgow’s east end, for example, Jackie Bole and a small team of fellow volunteers deliver meal and soup ingredients and recipe packs to the elderly, the vulnerable and those on low incomes.

In recent weeks, they have watched in alarm as their elderly customers, many of whom live alone, and those who rely on foodbanks which are being affected by thoughtless shoppers emptying shelves, start to panic.

“People don’t understand the effect their panic buying has had …it is with such heartbreak we see people affected,” says a statement on the group’s Facebook page, before a plea for those who need help to get in touch.

There are simple, practical, thoughtful things we can all do in the face of uncertain times ahead. Stop panic-buying. Check on elderly neighbours. And talk to groups like East End Flat Pack Meals (eastendflatpackmeals@gmail.com), working on the frontline, to find out what they need us all to do.

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In the face of social distancing, our community connections need to be stronger than ever.