We live in extraordinary times. With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) declared a pandemic, the world is going through a period of uncertainty and change. Across the globe people are retreating to the safety of their homes and self-isolating. We are social beings though. While the different measures put in place to self-isolate are vital to our health, the effects can weigh heavily on our mental well-being. Fortunately, we live in an era when virtual communication technologies have become part of our everyday lives. So as current circumstances require us to physically distance ourselves from others, it does not mean that we need to become socially isolated. We can connect with our community, colleagues, friends, and family members in virtual ways.
Outpost remains committed to supporting Shell’s international community. Depending on location, needs and circumstances, local Outposts are offering its member various opportunities to communicate and connect virtually. From one-to-ones, to larger virtual gatherings, here are some of the recent highlights from local Outposts:
Outpost USA: organising fortnightly check-ins with all locations in the country and weekly virtual socials for partners with up to 44 employees and partners joining in; shared resources on well-being, keeping children occupied and working from home; hosted a workshop on personality testing with over 60 employees and partners participating.
Outpost Kuwait: hosting virtual connects for partners to share coping strategies, with at least 12 participants checking in; will post some of the ideas shared among the community for hobbies and physical activities during the lockdown period. The response from the community has been positive with members adapting well to the circumstances.
Outpost the Netherlands: organized a live webinar with Dr Anisha Abraham on ‘How to help kids cope’ in times of COVID-19 with over 45 employees and partners joining in; shares and translates latest news and update from the Dutch government on social media; posted motivational articles and tips related to COVID-19 on the website. Members were very pleased with the approach and appreciated the initiative
Outpost Rio: shared practical information on delivery services (e.g. groceries and pharmacies); organized a virtual session with a guest speaker on ‘Portuguese for medical emergencies in times of COVID-19’ and published the material on the website; posting updates about local measures on the website. The virtual session on health was helpful and reassuring for members.
Outpost Perth: created a new webpage called ‘COVID-19 latest’; hosted a live virtual cooking demonstration; organised a project to send uplifting messages and pictures to 120 care home residents in Western Australia who are unable to have visitors due to the coronavirus; maintains an active social media platform for members to connect and remain up to date on news and events.
Outpost Stavanger: hosts fortnightly virtual connects for STIA members to share practices and tips on how to stay fit and healthy during stay-at-home measures. Members were pleased to share their ideas and hear updates from others in the network.
Outpost Qatar: hosted a webinar on ‘Navigating COVID-19 with Resilience’ with Doha Empowerment Coach Anahi Brown; held virtual Arabic language classes; shared tips from the community on supporting kids and staying active; plans to host a virtual Quarantine Pub Quiz.
Virtual events planned for May:
The following is a selection of Outpost locations and activities. Please check your local Outpost website for more information and to register for upcoming virtual events.
Outpost Calgary: will host a Virtual Coffee Morning and a Virtual Book Club once a month as requested by members.
Outpost Bangalore: will continue to host a series of webinars related to COVID-19. Topics for May include: What now? Changes and Uncertainties; Mental Health in the times of Covid-19; Strengthening your Relationships.
Outpost Trinidad and Tobago: will host a Virtual BINGO Night (May 2nd) and a Virtual SOKAFIT Class (May 13th) which is an interactive dance fitness class inspired by Trinidad and Tobago’s unique carnival culture, includes a blend of carnival dance moves, Soca music and a fully body workout.
Outpost London: will host a virtual talk about UK universities with guest speaker Ed Richardson, Director of Education at Keystone Tutors (May 21st).
Outpost Moscow: currently hosting a Virtual (outside-the-pub) Quiz with 15 questions about Russia. All those who participate will be part of a draw for a red wine bottle and those who answer correctly to all the questions will win a voucher for ‘I Love Cake’ (delivery available).
Outpost Brisbane: will host a Virtual Happy Hour (May 8th) and an online Yoga Class, followed by tips to stay fit and for a nutritional diet.
As individuals, and as a community and network, we have a responsibility to keep each other safe and follow the most up-to-date regulations and measures from official sources. We advise all members to stay informed of national government updates and check-in virtually with each other whenever possible. As expatriates living far away from family members and friends, the opportunity to stay ever more connected is vital.
Stay safe and keep in touch virtually.
Global Outpost Services (GOS)