A hug with a friend, birthday celebrations or comforting a family member in need are just some of the significant moments we are missing as we adhere to new social restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19 – but we can still show and send love to family and friends.
Whether it’s by phone, Facebook, Instagram, Zoom, Teams or Hangout, we’ve adapted and found a way to stay connected.
Central Geelong businesses have also adapted so you can continue to let your nearest and dearest know you care.
Sending flowers and hampers can brighten the day of those we love or those who are feeling lonely or afraid.
Central Geelong florists including Smellies, A Natural Bunch, Townhouse Living, Cyril Cooke Florists and Lustre Bloom have a wide range of flowers, bouquets, indoor plants and gift options available to order online and have delivered direct to the home of family and friends. Include a letter or card expressing in words how much they mean to you.
Let your creative side speak for you – write sweet messages or draw pictures to send to someone special. This is a great way for grandchildren to send love to their grandparents and a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays and special occasions. Use up those art and craft supplies or restock online from local art and craft suppliers such as Cavalier, Geelong Art Supplies, Artworx, Kaisercraft, Riot Art & Craft and Lincraft.
It would be wonderful to put together an essential box full of fresh fruit and vegetables from your garden, however if that’s not an option contact The Fresh Food Merchant or Organic Larder and order a box of goodies. Include bread, eggs, pasta, gourmet snacks or even wine. Place your order online or give them a call – both will have your order delivered direct to your loved one.
It’s a time-honoured tradition to whip up a lasagne, a cake or a curry to leave at the front door of those in need, and while you may not be able to personally do that now – a Central Geelong business can do it for you. There’s a fantastic selection of Central Geelong businesses selling pre-made meals including Caruggi, Workers BBQ, Little Green Corner, Black Bull, Cravings Cafe´, Cafe´ Go and more. Help a loved one by ordering a pre-made family meal and have it delivered to their door.
Something sweet always helps lift spirits. Augustus Gelatery, Miss Gina Gelato and Lic – Lollies, Ice Cream and Coffee offer home delivery services while Twisted Dessert Bar has created two special dessert packs that can be delivered.
Why not share the moment – have the same treat delivered to your house, make a Zoom call and enjoy your gift at the same time! You could do the same with a special bottle of wine from Cellar Door or Union Street Wine.
If your looking for other ways to bring comfort, sort through your photos and have your favourite memories printed and delivered. Visit Geelong Camera House online and select print shop to make your order. The Camera House is offering to personally deliver or post your memories for free.
While a hug is not an option right now, a heat pack to cuddle, a knitted scarf or a pair of slippers to warm up the toes as we head into winter might be appreciated too.
If you want to help your loved ones relax, or they are in need of a little self-care, Invoque offers online orders for skin treatment boxes, while Serenity Skin & Body Care offers virtual skin consults with expert therapists.
You could sign up together for some online yoga and relaxation classes. Upstate Studios, Wonder Yoga, Good Folk Yoga and Geelong City Yoga all have options for online classes.
It’s also important to look after your mental health during these unusual and difficult times. Beyond Blue (beyondblue.org.au) and Lifeline (lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat) have resources and supports available for you and your loved ones.
A range of specialist health providers in Central Geelong can also offer expert counselling and support if needed, including Emerge Clinical Psychology Services or Transcendent Psychology. All appointments are offered virtually via telehealth.
Remember, we are in this together as a community. Stay safe, stay home as advised, be kind to each other and look out for family, friends, neighbours and those in our community doing it tough.
Download the Love Central Geelong App or visit the online business directory at www.centralgeelong.com.au/find to find Central Geelong businesses that are doing things differently.
