As the Active Profile team settles into week six of working from home, we’ve been seriously impressed with some of the positive and kind things we’ve witnessed over the last month. There’s been a rallying of people around the country doing amazing things to help others and to lift spirits, so we wanted to share a few positive things we’ve seen happening that are particularly close to home.

Simple Life – Peace of Mind Month

When it comes to corporate social responsibility (CSR), our client Simple Life, a private rental sector (PRS) housing provider, is on top of its game. CSR and its customers are at the heart of everything that they do. In response to COVID-19, Simple Life relaunched its Peace of Mind Month for customers, recognising that this was a time people may need it the most. They have spa day giveaways, a health and wellbeing series where residents can share their skills and talents, offering dancing, yoga and makeup classes and are giving those working for the NHS 20% off their rent for the next three months, as a way of saying thank you. At Active Profile, we take pride in working with businesses that are passionate about what they do but also care about their people and Simple Life has shown that it does just that.

Virtual tours of Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo, which isn’t far from our Liverpool and Manchester offices, has been opening its gates for virtual tours of the zoo! At a time when many may be struggling with juggling working from home and entertaining their children, the zoo is offering regular opportunities to see the kangaroos, penguins, elephants and many more of their amazing animals. As an office of animal lovers, this one was a big hit.

The Manchester Duck Race – Best Dressed Competition

Every year for the past ten years, the Manchester Duck Race has been held on the River Irwell at our client’s site, New Bailey. The race is all in aid of children’s charity, Brainwave and involves thousands of rubber ducks (recyclable, of course) taking part in a race along the river, with thousands of people gathered to watch, grab some food from local vendors and made a day of it. Sadly, this year the physical race couldn’t happen, however all was not lost. Many companies had already purchased their corporate ducks and decorated them from their homes, enabling the best dressed duck competition to still go ahead. This part of the race is without doubt the highlight of the whole event and by still hosting the competition online, it meant we could all still enjoy the fancy-dress fun whilst also raising money for a good cause. Check out this year’s ducks here; the winner was announced on Good Friday, congratulations Michael Quackson, decorated by HFL Building Solutions.

Dancing, quizzing and a general sense of community

We’re all going to come out of this lockdown as general knowledge gurus, with many families, friends and colleagues coming together (virtually) for regular quizzes and games via Zoom, Houseparty and other similar apps. The team behind Active Profile favourite, Bongo’s Bingo have even taken themselves into quarantine offering free games of bingo, along with dancing, karaoke and general silly antics to keep the nation entertained.

We’ve also seen a whole host of people offering their services to others in need, collecting shopping, and offering a friendly ear to those who may be lonely and unable to leave the house.

The Candidate

Manchester-based recruitment agency The Candidate have set-up a section on their site dedicated to positive news. They are calling out for Manchester businesses (and beyond) to share their upbeat stories in order to celebrate positivity and kindness. What a brilliant idea! You can find their positive news page here.

Puppy (and kitten) Love

Of course, where would we be without our pets? Our MD Anna and her family recently welcomed two rescue kittens into their home. The duo, named Smithy and Bryn, are keeping everyone entertained through lockdown. Our Active Profile dogs are having the time of their lives having their humans around all day and we’re all grateful for the occasional colleague pup-date on Slack.

In all honesty, this blog could have gone on for a lot longer, with so many positive things happening amongst the chaos we’re currently living in. Remember, where possible spread optimism,and don’t forget we are all in this together. But also remember that it’s okay to not feel positive every second of every day, if you’re feeling down, reach out to a colleague, friend or family member, they may well be feeling the same way. Let us look after each other’s wellbeing.

We hope it has provided you with a little positivity today.