Get takeaway from a local restaurant All cafés, bars and restaurants have been forced to close their doors due to new social distancing policies. However, many of those eateries now offer takeaway for their delicious meals. If you can’t wake up without your morning barista coffee, visit one of the many local cafés offering takeaway coffees to get you through the morning. One night on the weekend, support a local restaurant by ordering takeaway directly from them, rather than through a delivery app. That way, the restaurant keeps the entire profit of the sale rather than losing money to commissions from another business. Where to buy your groceries A simple way to support many local businesses in one purchase is to buy your fresh fruit and vegetables from one of the local fresh food markets. While many of the smaller markets are closed, some within shopping centres and the larger markets are still operating. For fresh meat, your butcher will have some of the best cuts around. Some butchers even sell locally made sauces, marinades and rubs to make their meat even better. If you need the basics such as milk and bread in a pinch, many cafés and restaurants have also begun selling grocery essentials. Buy gift cards to use in the future Much like paying it forward, buying a gift card from a local business is great for putting some much-needed money into their pockets right now. All local businesses can benefit from this, from hairdressers to toy shops, bars and local artists. If your favourite local shop doesn’t offer gift cards, have a talk to them about how you can help them in these times. They might have changed their services to offer curb-side pick-up or contactless delivery. Participate in online classes Since most of us don’t have to commute to work, many people are finding they have more time in the day to do extra activities they couldn’t previously do. Now is a perfect time to pick-up a new skill or change your habits. Kickstart your fitness regime with one of the many online classes gyms, yoga studios and personal trainers are offering. Practice your painting with a virtual drawing lesson from a local artist. Replicate your restaurants favourite dish with their online cooking tutorial. Support a local band by listening to their music online. If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new skill from the comfort of your home, now is the time.