The Kampung Spirit in the UK
Besides sending Singaporeans home, there was much work to do on the ground, such as providing support to Singaporeans who had contracted COVID-19 or were self-isolating due to close contact with someone infected.
To that end, London Mission coordinated with organisations such as the Singapore UK Association (SUKA) and the UK Singapore Student Council (UKSSC), to provide personal support, food and medical supplies to these Singaporeans.
“I was very encouraged by the resilience shown by the Singaporean community who were very proactive in lending support,” Vishnuvarthan says, adding that it was especially comforting for a Singaporean to be assisted by a fellow citizen when in need.
The Mission also provided consular assistance for Singaporeans who chose to remain in the UK, such as long-stayers with deep roots in the UK and professionals who could not return due to work commitments.
“As the workload increased, there was little time to think about our safety or wellbeing, but thankfully, the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner took good care of us and ensured that we were well,” he recollects.
Celest agreed with the sentiment, remembering how the team often checked on each other and cared for one another. “We even helped each other buy essentials and groceries from the supermarket!” she shares.