A DIGITAL campaign has been launched by Skipton Business Improvement District (BID) to support businesses and services during the coronavirus crisis.

#AtHomeInSkipton will support online trade awareness of products and services that people can buy and access while observing Government restrictions on social distancing and isolating while in their own homes.

Skipton BID says the campaign has been designed to drive awareness in proactive and collaborative ways for people to care for themselves and their community, while at the same time continuing to support the businesses they trust.

And, it is asking the business community to get involved with the campaign by using hashtags in their own digital content, whether via social media posts or a YouTube video.

By using the hashtags, the posts will appear in seven relevant areas - such as exercise and household tips - that Skipton BID has identified to continue supporting various sectors operating in the town.

Geraldine Thompson, Skipton BID Manager said: “We have such a solid resource of expert advice, business services and wonderful retail diversity in Skipton and now more than ever is it important to support and draw on that offering.

"Business and health experts are seeking to reach out to residents and business owners to help them stay well and offer guidance through these uncertain times. And residents need that support too for their new daily lives, no matter how short or long term this period of isolation may be.”

With so many of the town’s spring and summer events cancelled, the BID says it remains solution-oriented and supportive of the community’s commercial resilience, as well as promoting the physical and mental well-being of residents.

It also believes health, happiness and wellbeing will become increasingly important as Craven adapts to living in times of the coronavirus.

Mrs Thompson added: “I commend the many businesses that have been able to adapt and diversify their offering so quickly to cater for the public under the very challenging new social distancing measures.

"Everyone is keen to continue and support new daily needs and routines in all manner of ways possible for businesses and livelihoods to survive. We all need to boost our immune system, support local business and maintain a positive mindset. Collectively we can make a success of being #AtHomeInSkipton.”

The areas the BID has identified are:

'Nourish', aimed at restaurants, grocery suppliers, hotels and market stall holders: recipes, interviews and 'how to' tutorials focusing on foods with key nutrients and easy strategies to support the immune system, reduce stress and improve wellbeing along with the hidden power of certain everyday store-cupboard ingredients.

'Live', aimed at hardware and retails shops, and market stall holders: The importance of establishing a happy home with household tips, maintenance advice, pet advice, gifts throughout the year, learning about interiors to improve social spaces in small homes, promote healthy sleep patterns, establishing new routines and rituals for living happily together.

'Move', aimed at fitness and sports centres and health shops: From at-home workouts to live meditation sessions or yoga poses and tips for boosting energy, or releasing pent-up energy when working and staying at home.

'Sustainable' for nature, eco shops, gardeners or architects: Adapted activities inspired by the nature and sustainable resources, gardening, with tips to try at home as we embrace this period of social distancing and endeavour to live more sustainably, making the most of whatever nature is around or available.

'Connect', for counsellors, charity workers and social support groups: Staying connected to reduce anxiety and loneliness when practicing social distancing and how to check in with others and remain community-focused, especially when it comes to those more vulnerable.

'Mindfulness' for lifestyle coaches, financial advisors and wellbeing practitioners: Helping people shift energies and priorities from worrying about what can’t be controlled to focusing on the present moment, such as setting up a home working environment, tips on staying grounded or managing finances.

'Social', for pubs, cafes, tourist attractions and social or hobby groups: Creating a 'virtual bubble' for Skipton, hosting real time events to allow and encourage the formation and interaction of online social groups such as teams, clubs, groups and neighbourhoods that would normally meet in real-world social places.

To find out more about getting involved, visit: https://skiptonbid.com/index.php/welcome-to-at-home-in-skipton