If the coronavirus crisis has taught us anything, it's that there is good to be found everywhere.

Yes, there are stories of people flouting the lockdown rules, of others taking advantage of people in a vulnerable situation, or ripping people off for vital items.

BUT for every example of the above, there are dozens of people doing good.

These are just six reasons why we're proud to be living in Dorset through this crisis.

1. Our NHS

Everyone is rightly bursting with pride at their local hospital and wants to embrace their healthcare workers (social distancing though). Our NHS throughout the country is amazing, and we've been privileged to share stories about the work they're doing in Bournemouth and Poole.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by Rob S

Here's some of our favourites:


2. Our teachers

Schools shut except to the children of key workers last month. But teachers haven't stopped. Whether it's been holding classes online, staying in the classroom, being a lifeline to struggling children or in a lot of cases producing PPE for hard-pressed services, all teachers and school staff deserve a medal.

From schools staying open during the holidays to help children of key workers, to masses of face masks being made - we're in awe of your hard work.

Post by Corfe Hills School Academy Trust.
Post by The Swanage School.
Post by Highcliffe School.

3. Our police officers

Working out how to implement the legislation can't have been the easiest thing to navigate at such an unprecedented time for our police forces. And Dorset Police officers have been very open about the work they're doing to try and keep people safe.

From dispersing people in the town centre, to reminding others not to picnic on a cliff top (honestly), they're doing an incredible job helping to keep us safe during a lockdown - while also doing their day-to-day work as well. We all need to be helping, by staying inside and helping to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Here's some of the reasons we're lucky to have these officers policing our streets:

4. Our charities

The charity sector has been one of the hardest hit by the lockdown situation. But across the county, volunteers and fundraisers haven't stopped. From homeless charities, to hospital causes, you have all been helping to support them in their time of need. And in turn, they've been able to help others. Here's some of our favourite examples:

Post by Poole Hospital Charity.

​Bournemouth Echo:

5. Our business community

They've really suffered. With a mandate to close pubs, restaurants, gyms and all non-essential shops, our businesses across Dorset are struggling. But some have really tried to make the best of what's happening and been able to change the way they're working.

We've joined forces with Bournemouth Town Centre BID to shine a light on services still operating at this time and what they're offering.

Some of the stories you've really enjoyed about businesses include Conker Spirit making hand sanitiser, this factory saying workers should be with their families and this factory which is producing 15,000 valves which will help save lives.

Bournemouth Echo:

6. Our 'keyworkers'

Obviously we are grateful to the NHS and our emergency services, but without key workers such as bin men, carers, delivery drivers, supermarket staff and postmen and women things would be a LOT worse.

People in Bournemouth have been helping to spread positivity by showing their appreciation for waste collectors and deliverymen across the conurbation by making signs and leaving presents for when they collect waste or deliver post.

Bournemouth Echo:

Tell us why you're proud to live in Dorset right now below ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️