Dear World,

While COVID-19 is causing so much devastation across the world, a silver lining is that there is so much community action happening that didn't exist before

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In many parts of London there's not much sense of community. I've lived in the same block for eight years and while I've always been on good terms with different neighbours, they generally come and go and it can feel very transient.

Since COVID-19 arrived, every Thursday at 8 p.m. much of the country comes together to applaud the NHS - the health service in the UK. Every week from my balcony I see hundreds of people on other balconies clapping and for the first time there's a real sense of community. After the clapping, we often stay on the balcony and chat to each other - neighbours we had actually never said more than a few words to before.

While COVID-19 is causing so much devastation across the world, a silver lining is that there is so much community action happening that didn't exist before. From people volunteering to helping the elderly and vulnerable do their shopping.


Sincerely,

Community

I'm seeing a genuine sense of COMMUNITY and I HOPE for a lasting change in our attitudes to each other and the planet when lockdown ends.

About the photographer: Max Thurlow is a filmmaker based in London.