3 different women with 3 different experiences of 2020

I remember going to the Waterside theatre on the 15^th March to see David Baddiel and finding there was a half empty theatre, not because people didn’t want to go and see him, but because the whole Covid-19 business had kicked off. I certainly didn’t realise the severity of the situation, on the 21^st of March it was Mother’s Day, Shannon told me they had a case of Covid on the ward and she wouldn’t be coming home, then of course on the 23^rd March we went into lockdown.

Never have I ever experienced anything like it, we weren’t even allowed to go out for a walk. Living in a flat without a garden meant all we saw was the walls of the flat and my carers. I think most people know I didn’t cope too well and had to reach out to obtain some counselling. At least that lasted for 12 weeks and not only did I get help and some coping strategies, but I got to see somebody else. Thankfully, by the end of May restrictions had started to be lifted and by July I had a weeks holiday on Hayling Island. It was after this break that hubby and I decided we wanted to move to Hayling Island to be with my family. Fast forward to November and we had another mini lockdown. On the 12^th December we made our big move. On the 22^nd December I was given another blow and hairdressers were shut down, and the tier system was scrapped after Christmas. Lockdown 3 had started by the end of the year, and of course we are still living in it now.

I suppose on reflection my biggest event of the year was moving and getting to grips with technology and video calls. I am now quite apprehensive of coming out of lockdown and actually meeting people!

 

When mum asked me to write about my experience during 2020, it took me some time to think about it. As a nurse there’s been periods where I forgot that we were in lockdown. I was still going to work like normal, there was just less people on the tube. On busy work weeks life for me was next to normal, I just had to wear PPE. When I was off I was only reminded we were in lockdown because i couldn’t pop i by nto primark for new tights or socks!Then  it would hit home that I also couldn’t go home and hug those that matter most to me.  The first lockdown definitely felt like a weird zombie apocalypse, A&Es were being used for actual accidents and emergencies, not as a one stop shop for everything. The tube wasn’t packed first thing in the morning, and I could put my bag next to me, and it not be a problem, although I did get fed up with BTP stopping me every time I went through the station. It felt like people realised how important the NHS is, the clap for carers made some of the toughest shift, just slightly easier.  The first wave gave me an entry into adult care, and I had the privilege to be with people at the end of their lives, and supporting families through the toughest times in their lives.  Life went back to normal for a bit, and my first hug with my parents was a special moment (the doctors on my shift told me to hug my mum and dad as we were regularly tested and if I was sure mum and dad had stuck to the rules, it would be okay, and my mental health mattered). I stocked up on tights and socks for work because I knew we weren’t on the other side of it all yet. However, despite all the lovely claps I’d got, shops still wanted me to pay for these!  This time round, life seems a bit more normal, or maybe I’m just getting used to covid life.  Hospitals are getting busy again, it’s not all covid, it’s more that people are using A&E like they used to. I’m back to just being a children’s nurse again! I’ve been privileged enough to have both my vaccinations. Now all I need is to hug my family again! 

 

I’m Sas and I’m Julie’s PA. Just over a year ago I was in college worried about my A-levels that were fast approaching, and having no free time in between college, revision and maintaining a relationship. It went from all to nothing as Covid hit us. My A-levels were cancelled and I ended up having my last day of college on the 22nd of March, getting all our photos on the college lawn instead of at the fancy hotel we were meant to have our leavers party. When lockdown started as I had no revision to be doing anymore I had not to hing but free time, so I took up baking, painting and tanning in the garden!

When we went into lockdown I had been In a toxic relationship for 2 years that I was stuck in, so I suppose I have lockdown to thank In a way for getting me out of it. After being with someone for 2 years It was amazing to be on my own for the first time, and I started to find myself again.

My 18th birthday was in lockdown, not quite the 18th I planned but my family and friends made it just as good with social distanced visits, constant delivery’s and lots of cocktails!

Lockdown really made me appreciate walking my dog, I hated walking anywhere, and now I love it and am always up for a long walk.

When restrictions started easing during summer I made the most of It, in fact I didn’t have a day in for about 3 months. I was at the beach pretty much everyday with my friends making the most of the sun, topping up my tan, and making the most of paddle boarding. Of course we made the most of the pub when that opened up as well. We managed to get in a holiday as me and my two best friends went to Greece for a week.

I was meant to be going to University in September 2020 but my time out of college had changed my view on everything and I realised I didn’t have to go to Uni right now as I was so happy where I was.

Now I work as a Carer and I love my job!

With the vaccination, things are looking up so I’ve made sure I’ve booked lots of holidays and festivals so I’ve got lots to look forward too, as well as me and my best friend  going travelling round South East Asia next year.

Lockdown really changed everything for me, it helped me get out of a toxic relationship, find myself, make friends I know are for life, and completely changed my career path! Don’t get me wrong lockdown has been a struggle with not being able to see my Grandad and other family, as well as being 18 and not being able to go out, but I think you need to look at everything with a positive mindset In life, including lockdown and Covid.