The scheme has been launched by Juliette Davies of EY Matters and senior early childhood lecturer Aaron Bradbury, after sharing concerns about how people in the sector would be dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Its purpose is to connect early years practitioners, owners, managers, trainers, lecturers, and consultants so that they have someone to talk to, helping them share any concerns and worries they have, with the aim of improving their mental wellness. They can start their relationships via social media or e-mail, and as they get more comfortable communicate over the phone.
The scheme is also going to be extended to parents and carers.
To sign up to the Early Years Coronavirus Buddy Scheme click here.
To help people feel part of an online community, EY Matters has also started a #EYMattersSelfie social media (Facebook and Twitter) campaign, asking people to send in selfies of themselves with a short message of support to early years colleagues.
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Juliette Davies, founder of EY Matters, said, ‘Now is the time that the small things we can do, such as listening to each other and empathising, will make a difference in the days ahead. This is especially true for those working in the frontline, caring for children to support the key workers of the critical sectors going to work and those who are self-isolating.
‘I am committed to supporting the early years sector and wider community in whichever way I can during this uncertain period. I want to ensure that everyone has someone to talk to and nobody feels alone or suffers in silence.
She added, ‘I am organising regular Zoom meetings for those who want to take part in the scheme so there can be some face-to-face contact.’