This week we speak to Charmayne Milliken for our #memberinfocus feature: “The Challenges and Opportunities of 2020”. 

Q1. If you could describe the year 2020 in one word, what would it be

Unique

Q2. What was happening in your life when the pandemic struck?

I am a self employed, work from home mum of a 2 year old. Everyday life was looking after kiddie and work when it suited me. We as a family were looking forward to a holiday to Majorca in May and weekends away at our caravan.

Q3. Why and when did you decide to get involved with community-based support?

I have known our founder, Sarah, since our school days. When she called me just before lockdown, I didn’t hesitate to say yes to helping her out. I had already noticed a lot of my business clients were stopping work therefore the work I was getting from them would also dry up. I knew I would have a few extra hours of my time spare and how better to help?

Q4. What is the biggest challenge you have faced since the world went into lockdown?

By far it has been stuck in the house with a very active, boisterous boy. He absolutely loves being outdoors and with all the parks and soft play areas closed it has been very challenging keeping him entertained. We do not have a garden or anywhere safe enough to let him run around outside.

Q5. Are you excited about any opportunities that have arisen this year?

So far, through Community Calling, I have met an amazing bunch of people, from the volunteers to the admin team and the board. The opportunities are now endless and we are working hard to expanding Community Calling and what we offer as a Social Enterprise. 

Q6. How are things looking for the remainder of 2020? 

As I am writing this, I am slightly nervous as to what the rest of the year will bring. We are already starting to see cases rise again. I really hope we do not go back into strict lockdown however as we have already had restrictions tightened this week it is starting to look inevitable. I just hope we get to spend Christmas with our loved ones. I am definitely looking forward to that as my family are moving back from Scotland after 17 years.