Hi everyone!
Firstly, I hope you’re staying safe. Please stay indoors as much as possible, and if you need to go out keep your hands clean and keep your distance from other people as much as you can.
Since my last post on this blog, which was nearly a month ago, an awful lot has changed in the world. Here in the UK, people have gone from not really worrying about the Coronavirus, to a semi-lockdown state. People are only allowed to travel when it’s essential and are “socially distancing” which means they can’t be within 6 feet of each other.
The majority of people are off work. Only essential workers like binmen, people who work in essential shops, some tradesman and the emergency services are still working. I have to commend them. I was working at what was considered an essential store and trying to work in an environment where everyone you meet could potentially have this virus which could kill you or your loved ones is really frightening!
Thankfully, I’m not working now which is a relief. However, for the past week my Dad, who’s prone to chest infections and has trouble breathing at the best of times, has been displaying bad symptoms of the virus. He’s been doing all the right things and from what I can tell has stayed somewhat consistent. It is frustrating not really being able to be there for him though.
It’s times like these that I’ve always argued the importance of hobbies and interests. It’s hugely important to have something to take yourself away from the day to day stresses of life, and with this virus going around, I think it’s safe to say that we are all a little stressed haha!
I want to try to create some more content for this blog whilst I’m off work. I somewhat fancy building another slot car. Pendle Slot Racing have released a kit of a Bond Bug, which was a fibreglass bodied, 3 wheeled thing. As a real car, they were a tonne of fun.
I also want to create some more mental health content but I want to try to steer clear of talking about mental health in relation to the Coronavirus. There are a lot of really good content creators out there who are publishing articles and videos about how to cope with isolation and such.
I feel like they’re better qualified to talk about that. My strength has always come from my hobbies and my cars, and I share what I do in hopes of inspiring others who need a positive outlet to get involved. I’m in no way a qualified psychologist or any sort of expert in friendships or relationships and maintaining them in these unusual times haha!
I would like to use this platform to give some support to our NHS workers though. As a retail worker I could say that dealing with this has been unpleasant, but I can’t even begin to imagine the stress that you guys are going through.
Keep up the good work. I know it’s not much but please know that my inboxes are always open for an NHS worker that needs somewhere to vent.
I think that’s about it for now. Hopefully I can bring you some more content soon.
Stay safe and if you’re bored in quarentine please feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/motorsportformentalhealth/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/richard-francis-b45025137/
Twitter: @richardmsfmh
Instagram: @motorsport4mentalhealth
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ-j8broFg4i2rWIBy6W82Q
By Richard Francis
