Greetings from a very sunny Edinburgh.  As I look out from our apartment across the city and beyond, it is hard to take in the enormity of this global challenge that we are facing.  I am full of gratitude and admiration for all the key workers who are striving so hard in such difficult circumstances to keep us all healthy, fed and with access to essential supplies and services.  I am also inspired and heartened by everyone who has taken steps to support support of people in vulnerable groups and those who are self-isolating.

Even for those of us who are helping our communities in various ways, we must also remember that one of the main things we can do to help as individuals is to stay home and observe all the public health guidance.  It has been amazing to see the emergence of a huge range of opportunities for sharing, learning and keeping ourselves busy and entertained.  And helpful also to remind ourselves of the wide variety of existing resources available.

• Mental health and wellbeing:  There is lots of help and support available online for anyone who may be having difficulties coping with the anxiety and demands of the current situation.  This site by the Scottish Association for Mental Health is en excellent example, including where to find 24/7 support.

• Some organisations have said they will stream performances and concerts live in the absence of ‘in-person’ audiences eg:

• • Metropolitan Opera
  • Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall
  • More links can be found here.

• I also noticed that you can access plays and other events through MarqueeTV, which has a free 30-day trial.  I haven’t yet tried this, but the available content looks amazing.

• The Open Culture site has access to an amazing range of free online courses, as does FutureLearn.  You can also access a wide range of SkillShare courses via a 14-day free trial.

• There many art galleries and museums around the world which have digitised their collections for browsing eg:

• • National Galleries of Scotland
  • Rijksmuseum
  • Guggenheim

• There are lots of great podcasts to listen to.  I found this one to be of help in trying to come to terms with all the anxiety around what is currently happening.  My most favourite, and most frequently listened to podcast is the wonderful Tea, Toast and Trivia, which I highly recommend.

• A number of independent publishers are joining forces to host an online book club.  What a great way to share in a love of reading, and support small businesses too.

• The Hay Festival’s HayPlayer costs just £10 and gives access to a vast array of magnificent interviews.

• And finally, check out this tweet for a lovely chuckle.

I am sure there are plenty of other great links too – I’d love to hear about some of your favourites.  Meanwhile, stay safe and well. 🙂