With the UK currently on lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, people in self-isolation or those who are unable to work due to business closures have found themselves confronted with a number of difficulties, from health anxiety and financial concerns to out-and-out boredom.
But, in times of uncertainty, there are some individuals who make it their mission to boost the morale of those around them, including Stella von Koskull.
An actor and self-described “book fairy”, von Koskull has been delivering books from her own collection around Putney, Barnes and Fulham, to neighbours who are currently self-isolating in a bid to keep them entertained.
“I have tonnes of books at home and I’m getting through this time by reading loads,” she said.
“So I decided to use my one exercise a day to bike my extra books around the neighbourhood to anyone who needs them or needs some entertainment over this time.”
Von Koskull added that while she has only completed a few deliveries so far, people are extremely grateful for her generosity.
“I think people are craving any kind of social interaction even if it just means leaving a book at their doorstep and seeing them from five metres away and waving goodbye,” she said.
“It is a time to be helping vulnerable, needy people who can’t go outside. One positive thing that can come out of this is that communities can come together.
Stella has been delivering books from her own collection to neighbours (PA)
“Hopefully I’m serving it in my little way and will inspire people to do the same thing.”
Von Koskull, who makes her deliveries wearing gloves and a mask, has been finding people to donate her books to using social media.
“Friends! Any1 in #Fulham, #Battersea, #Barnes, #Putney, #Chelsea, #Hammersmith, #Clapham etc area wants new reading I’m gonna use my exercise a day to bike over some of my many [sic],” she recently wrote on Twitter.
Going to Battersea and Putney late this afternoon, if you’re in the area and want books today let me know in the next few hours! 🚲 https://t.co/5VKb3F2I2S
— Stella VK (@stellavonk)
“DM if you’re interested and can tell you what I got (got mask/gloves and can leave at your doorstep) [sic].”
Von Koskull is just one of many people who have come together to support one another amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The actor hopes to inspire people to look out for each other (PA)
Earlier this month, Becky Wass, a freelance copywriter from Falmouth, Cornwall, came up with a novel idea to help combat loneliness during self-isolation and launched a postcard scheme that allows vulnerable members of society to request that others carry out certain errands for them.