When I was studying viruses and what would happen if a new virus spread through a naive population as part of my MRes in Infection and Immunity I have to say I never really imagined actually being in a pandemic in my lifetime. It feels surreal. The scale and the daily changes to the guidelines and feelings of uncertainty about what’s best has felt hugely overwhelming.
But now is not the time for wallowing! I have been so struck by how amazingly well my local community has pulled together, ensuring everyone is supported while remaining distant and following the guidelines.
Likewise I want to ensure everyone in my local community still has access to sling help if they need it. While Sling Library sessions, One to One consults and all direct face to face contact is suspended for the time being, I will still be offering help in the following ways:
- Door-step Hires and Sales
- Postal or Hand-delivered Hires and Sales
- Video Consults
This is how each of these will work:
Door-step Hires and Sales
If you know what sling or carrier you’d like to borrow and know how to use it, simply get in contact. Tell me what day you’d like to come and collect and I’ll firstly ensure it is freshly laundered and then popped out into my front porch for you to collect. I’ll pop it out there just before your due so it doesn’t come into contact with anyone else. You won’t need to see me or any other member of my family. Likewise if you wish to purchase a sling or carrier, your new in box carrier will be placed in my porch for you to simply grab. We’ll organise payment online so no need to handle cash.
Postal or Hand-delivered Hires and Sale
I can also come to you! While we are still allowed outside for exercise, I can cycle over to you and drop carriers for hire or sale off with you at your doorstep. Again we’ll organise payment online so no need for contact on the day, just drop me a message to set this up.
Video consults
All our consults are moving online via Zoom! If you’d like some help – discovering new slings or carriers that might be right for you, or help with something you already own we can set up a mutually agreeable time to video chat on Zoom. I can also use WhatsApp video or Facebook messenger. Cost depends on your needs – a full consult costs £25 for 1 hour, but I can also do mini consults (perfect if you just want a quick fit check and a couple of tips) and these cost £5 per 10 minutes and you simply pay for the time you need (i.e. £5 for 10 minutes or £15 for 30 minutes etc etc you get the idea!)
These can also be perfect if you need a sling and are not sure what to hire or buy, we can have an initial video conversation where I demo and show you the options. Then I can get whatever you choose over to you and we can have a follow up second video chat where I can help you ensure your completely confident fitting and using the sling you’ve borrowed or bought.
-Madeleine