How we’re carrying on – Hear Our Voice

Damian from the Monday group has written this blog about his experience and thoughts of the coronavirus lock down.

What have you found hard during lockdown?

I’ve found the rules difficult. I’ve been trying to keep busy. It’s been frustrating when the restrictions have changed a few times. It’s effecting lives and the way people live. There have been moments when I have been frustrated and it’s hard because I haven’t seen my family. I haven’t been able to do my boxing training which has been difficult for me. I haven’t been able to see people that I see on a weekly basis so not having contact with them has been hard. We have to plod on and get through it.

What have you enjoyed during lockdown?

I’ve enjoyed the challenge of looking for things to do at home. I haven’t just sat here and thought I don’t know what to do but I’m not one of those people. I’m a thinker and a doer. I’d rather get something done about it.

What do you think about the new restrictions for Bradford?

I haven’t let it stop me going out and I always wear my mask. I always make sure I keep my distance from people when I can. It made me think what happens now. I’ve not seen my mum for a long time so if the restrictions hadn’t changed I would have seen her. Everybody should stick to the rules but people are ignoring the restrictions, I don’t think this is very good. These people are putting other lives at risk.

I think Boris could have handled it better by maybe not opening the pubs as early as he did. I just want to get back to normal because it is frustrating. It’s going to be a long time until we get back to normality.

Do you have any tips for people to help them stay positive?

Just take each day as it comes and try and find new challenges; new ways to handle each day as it comes.

What are you looking forward to doing when the restrictions have been eased?  

Just getting back to normality and doing the things I enjoy doing. I’m looking forward to going back to boxing and maybe even doing new things in the future. I’ll take it slowly but maybe try some news things like tennis or snooker.

I did a video of me whisking the ingredients of a vanilla sponge cake. It took two eggs and some water with the cake mix and then I had to whisk it.