Neighbourhood Concierge

Together against corona: inspiration and heartening actions from Hoplr neighbours

Author: Laura Geerts Published on March 14, 2020

As said by alderwoman of Hasselt Lies Jans in an article about Hoplr, Corona and the associated measures taken by the government (social distancing in particular) have resulted in less social contact, more isolation and even quarantine. That makes this a challenging time for all of us. Read the full HLN article in Dutch

Through Hoplr, neighbours can keep contact without difficulty or risk. It is unbelievable how many heartening actions have already been initiated by so many of our users. #togetheragainstcorona #solidarity

graph: messages on hoplr have tripled in two weeks

In just 2 weeks, the number of messages on Hoplr has tripled.

In the hope to inspire some, we’re happy to share these examples from thousands of heartening acts of solidarity on Hoplr, by and for neighbours.

Grocery shopping for the elderly
Watching or tutoring kids
Offering and requesting simple care
Calls for solidarity
Company against loneliness and isolation
Informative reporting from local authorities
Tips against boredom

1. Grocery shopping for the elderly

Neighbours spontaneously offer to do the shopping for elderly or sick people unable to leave the house.

neighbours offer to go grocery shopping for elderly — Five Hoplr messages in which users offer to do the grocery shopping for elderly or sick people. Many reactions of neighbours follow, in which they offer to do the same.

2. Watching or tutoring kids

Most schools are either closed or have suspended all classes. But for many of us, work continues as usual (well, perhaps not so usual). Fortunately, working parents can count on their neighbours for babysitting or help with school material. ‘Childpooling’: the word of 2020? 🙂

Six messages on Hoplr in which neighbours offer to babysit children of parents working in care.

3. Offering and requesting simple care

Neighbours can easily be called upon for simple care or other help requests. Don’t forget: for medical issues, make sure to contact a healthcare provider. Always keep the latest safety measures in mind.

Many users offer their help with either shopping, hot meals or anything needed. One person calls upon their neighbours to keep an eye out for the elderly.

4. Calls for solidarity against corona

People are spontaneously calling for solidarity, unity and heartening initiatives. Together against corona!

A user asks their neighbours to leave a comment to either offer or ask for help. Two others call upon their neighbours to show solidarity. A fourth one spreads a poster to print out and put up or put in eldery neighbours' mailboxes. — A user asks their neighbours to leave a comment to either offer or ask for help. Two others call upon their neighbours to show solidarity. A fourth one spreads a poster to print out and put up or put in eldery neighbours’ mailboxes.

5. Company against loneliness and isolation

Since most meeting places are closed, risk of isolation or loneliness has grown tremendously. More then ever, now is the time to keep a close eye on your neighbourhood or neighbours. Through the Hoplr chat you can start a virtual conversation with one or more of your neighbours.

One neighbour is looking for company for an elderly aunt. Two others express their concerns about elderly becoming isolated. One person posts about meeting places closing. In a fifth message, someone shares a city initiative: the corona phone.

6.Informative reporting by local authorities against corona

Raising awareness about the correct measures, sharing the latest news and engaging local residents: local authorities try their hardest to bring the correct information to the public.

The municipality of Dilbeek posts a link to all latest measures against corona. The city of Damme calls upon its citizens to print out an information sheet which they can fill in and slide under elderly neighbours' door to offer help with groceries. The municipality of Oosterzele asks Hoplr-users to take care of elderly and needy neighbours. The municipality of Bornem sums up its measures against corona. The city of Lier shares a message 'together against corona' with all kinds of useful information. — The municipality of Dilbeek posts a link to all latest measures against corona. The city of Damme calls upon its citizens to print out an information sheet which they can fill in and slide under elderly neighbours’ door to offer help with groceries. The municipality of Oosterzele asks Hoplr-users to take care of elderly and needy neighbours. The municipality of Bornem sums up its measures against corona. The city of Lier shares a message ‘together against corona’ with all kinds of useful information.

7. Tips against boredom

There is little to do these days, as just about everything has been either canceled or postponed. Luckily, most of us are in good health – but nevertheless, we have more free time on our hands than ever. It’s easy to get bored (or have some bored kids running around, which is probably worse).

Fear not, your neighbours are sure to have some great ideas or resources to keep boredom at bay. You can, for example, exchange games and books. And of course, there is always Hoplr for some virus-free contact! 😉

One Hoplr user is looking for board games for their 5 year old. One person is offering board games, another books. One dad of three opens up his home for other kids, so they can get to know each other and play.

EDIT: To allow as many neighbours as possible to make use of the neighbourhood network during these challenging times, we have now made it possible for municipalities to launch Hoplr more quickly. Read all about the accelerated rollout of Hoplr.