We need to shift the COVID-19 messaging beyond protecting ‘old people’ and encourage kindness
Our behaviour change messaging in response to COVID-19 needs to be focused not just on older people, but all vulnerable people, Katy Denis argues.
Controversial, but unlike many PRs and the general public, I’m not slagging off ScoMo and Gladys on social for their comms efforts. I will admit and agree that some of the messaging has been confusing and inconsistent, but these are most certainly “unprecedented times” so I’m embracing compassion.
I’d urge anyone to stand up in front of the country after minimal to no sleep for days on end, under immense pressure, and compose themselves well enough to deliver coherent messaging on a crisis we have never, ever experienced before.
Katy Denis pictured with her parents, before her dad’s passing last year
Great points and I totally agree. Sadly most children these days have experienced friends with cancer for example, so framing the discussion around protecting vulnerable people is a much better approach imo.
Well said, Katy! From one who’s “elderly”, thank you for writing this and putting it out there. x
This was a wonderful read, thank you! A kindness pandemic is definitely what we need.