This is a really tricky and unsettling time for many people in business. Here at Creative Content Company we wanted to remind people that they are not alone. Many people in business are in the same boat and facing the same struggles that you might be facing. So, we sent an email to our clients asking them questions about how they are coping through coronavirus.
In this blog post we speak to Susie at Care Network Cambridgeshire to see how the business is coping during this uncertain time.
What is your name and job role?
Susie Willis, CEO.
What is the business name and what does the business do normally?
Care Network Cambridgeshire. A local charity that has been established for over 30 years, supporting people to remain independent and happy in their homes as well enabling connections within local communities.
What services do you use Creative Content Company for?
Social media support and a lot of networking with really useful contacts.
How has CV-19 affected your business?
It has in the fact that we have needed to be ready and prepared to play our part in providing support for unprecedented need, a lot of work has gone into adapting our services in this time to meet both the needs of local residents as well as ensuring we deliver excellent measures and reducing risk of infection control.
Have you changed your service offering to go online / digitally – if so, how?
We have been making sure our services have been adapted so that those who need our help during this terrible time can receive our support. We have been working alongside statutory and other voluntary sectors partners in helping to support Cambridgeshire and Peterborough residents.
What have you struggled most with during this time?
Feeling a bit like I am in ‘Game of Thrones’ and the phrase ‘winter is coming’ goes around my head a lot right now with knowing the infection rate is increasing. I miss the physical contact with older members of our family, but making the most of new ways of staying in contact, so we have a shared family photo album now and using FaceTime a lot.
Have there been any positive outcomes?
I am appreciating my friends and family, picking up the phone more and speaking to people instead of messaging them. My two eldest sons are 19 & 16 so I normally hardly ever see them. It is really nice and special to have this time with them that I wouldn’t otherwise be getting.
How are you finding working from home?
Now I have a routine sorted, it is fine.
Is your business closed for CV-19?
No not at all, we need to be there for people right now, as we are always and very much aware of our social responsibility to support.
What is keeping you going every day?
Appreciating little moments, at work these little moments are the care the team are giving to one another and clients, their passion to be responsive and that everyone is pulling together all hands on deck. I am so proud to be work alongside really exceptional people. In my family life I am also appreciating little moments, watching my younger children play together, family meal times and laughter. We feel a lot closer
What are you finding hardest during this time?
Not being able to do what I want when I want, not knowing what the future will look like. But it is manageable and I keep faith that this will come to an end.
What is your top tip for other people in business?
Keeping connected on every level, both internally and externally, be human in this connection, you don’t need to put on a show, we are all going through the same things together
Have you seen anything positive through CV-19?
I don’t think there is anything positive about this virus, the tremendous damage it is doing on every front, but I do believe in times such as these, this is when we can see the best in humans. Equally you also see the worst when you look at the behaviours that have occurred around food / supermarkets.
What does your new ‘day in the life of’ look like?
Out of bed 6.30am, first calls with my Leadership Team around 7am to pick up on AOB from day before, plan where we are at today and then off I go, full steam until 5-6pm or as needed.
Do you have a positive quote to keep others going?
“This too shall pass”.
If you would like to know about Susie at Care Network Cambridgeshire or the great work that Care Network Cambridgeshire do, please have a look at their website.
