Welcome
Let’s talk about resilience—yes, resilience! The kind that helps us weather tough times and come out stronger, not just surviving but thriving.
Resilience isn’t just for individuals. It’s something that applies to all of us — families, organisations, communities, even entire nations and, dare we say, planets. So yes, Meads is very much part of that picture. And why not? Meads is a fantastic place to live, work, and visit. We’re lucky to have access to brilliant facilities, great amenities, and plenty of entertainment—right here in Meads, throughout Eastbourne, and across East Sussex.
This collection of pieces was created by Meads people, for Meads people—brought together by the Meads Community Association (MCA), along with friends and neighbours who care deeply about this place. This is a work in progress so we’d love to hear from you if you’ve got something to add, correct, or comment on, please jump in!
Contents
Gotta Go! – with go-bags!
Not Going Out? – with lockdown kits
Key Information – in a safe place
Hello – visitors or visiting
Action OR No Action – being prepared
“Yellow Cars”… and Resilience Bingo?
This Community – in Meads
Disclaimer: The content of this article is provided for general information only. It does not constitute professional advice. While we aim to share insights that may support resilience, individual circumstances vary, and readers should seek guidance from qualified professionals where appropriate. Any reliance placed on the information is strictly at the reader’s own discretion. This article reflects general perspectives and does not represent the views of any official body or organisation.
Gotta Go! – with go-bags!
So what is a “go-bag”? It is a collection of useful things you would like to have ready to take if you had to go away for a few days at short notice. It could be in a bag or backpack or small suitcase. And it could be absolutely-ready-to-go, or to be assembled in a few minutes, or simply your up-to-date prompt list of things to take.
called away urgently for others who might be in crisis – could you leave at the drop of a hat?
This could be similar to the bag that pregnant ladies have available before they go into labour. It could be similar to the list you would ask a family member or friendly neighbour of things to do and to bring in for you if you found yourself unexpectedly staying in hospital.
So, what might be in your own go-bag or list? Should it include: your toiletries and cosmetics; night attire; change of clothes, underwear and footwear; umbrella and coat; something to eat and drink; notepad and pens; something to read; prescriptions and medicines; spectacles and hearing aids; keys and codes; some cash and credit cards; mobile phones with chargers; key documentation (see later) – and anything else?! Your list and your items will be different to anyone else.
If there is more than one person in the household there may be more than one bag. And there can be a prompt on your calendar to review and update regularly. Say every six months or quarterly with changes of seasons or the state of the nation.
Reasons you might have to leave home and take your go-bag might include such as storm damage, or being evacuated by emergency services, or being called away urgently for others who are in crisis – resulting from impacts of climate change, pandemics or epidemics – with their consequences, or conflict at global down to local levels – or in combinations, in these difficult, uncertain times.
A go-bag is not the same as a “survival bag”. That is more serious, with connotations of SAS and Bear Grylls, with expertise from Outward Bound, Guides and Scouts, plus Duke of Edinburgh Award. Such days my be past, and you probably are not likely to be going in the jungle or the desert or even simply outdoors such as on the South Downs or to Mid Wales. That is unless you want to! In that case you will need a tent, sleeping bag, means to chop wood and make fires, with some cooking equipment and cutlery, water purification tablets, etc, etc. A different sort of destination and requirements. Although some may like to include a multipurpose tool, a whistle, a towel and their favourite pillow in their go-bag.
In your go-bag there may be a checklist for dealing with pets and plants, isolating services, security of premises, informing appropriate parties, transport arrangements to get away. A grow bag is different again and is for tomatoes and peppers on patios and balconies.
If you have a vehicle, is it ready-to-go as in suitably fueled / charged, serviced, equipped for a journey that could be long, slow and difficult – with water, snacks, blankets, etc?
There are other sources of advice available on resilience go-bags. Best wishes with your arrangements.
Not Going Out? – with lockdown kits
Lockdowns and lock-ins are difficult – for everyone. And they arrive with short notice – so it is good to be prepared to some degree – with a lockdown kit. Generally, one needs arrangements to survive and prosper for 72 hours as a household without going out or having visitors.
suddenly forced to stay at home for a few days without notice – how would you cope?
The reasons might include for example extreme stormy weather, or excessive heat wave or abnormal cold spell with deep snow and frosts – as consequences of climate change or weather patterns. Other situations might include pandemic restrictions, or civil unrest on the streets. Secondary associated issues may be temporary loss of electricity or water supply or broadband services.
Frequently things are back to normal in less than 72 hours although there may be a new normal with ongoing consequential restraints or restrictions, for example reduced public transport, intermittent or reduced utilities, low stocks in shops, backlogs of post and deliveries, stretched medical facilities, etc.
So what might be in one’s lockdown kit? Usually this can include: bottled water for drinking, containers such as buckets for tap water – for washing and flushing, dry goods, long life milk, tinned goods – with a tin opener, batteries, wind-up radio, wind-up torch or candles and matches, toilet paper, what else?
Fridges and freezers can be a dilemma when there is an electrical outage. Is it better to open and use the contents before perishable food goes off or is it better to keep the doors shut to preserve the contents until the power returns? And if there is no electricity for the freezer then there is no power to cook the food either! Unless you fancy ice cream!
Some people keep a couple of weeks’ worth of medications in reserve, others restock quarterly rather than monthly by asking their GP.
You may have seen examples of general good advice on security of homes and vehicles from Neighbourhood Panels or online or on television – which can be implemented sooner rather than later – (or not at all, with possible regrets).
If you feel you may be vulnerable in an extended or even short lockdown then you could prepare in advance a “HELP REQUIRED” sign you could put up prominently and would be seen by potential helpers, the bigger the better. That is if normal communications or call buttons may not be effective.
Best wishes with your resilience lockdown kits.
Key Information – in a safe place
In difficult times it may be useful to have your key information readily accessible for peace of mind for yourself and others.
What might be included in the key information? Just by example: passports and visas; certificates of birth, marriage, adoption, naturalisation; identification information such as photographs, utility bills, NHS card; drivers licence; vehicle registrations and insurances;
could you lay your hands on all of your important information if called to do so?
powers of attorney, wills, letters of wishes; medical history for health and welfare; medical prescriptions; contacts lists or address book of family, friends, work contacts, neighbours, banks, accountants, solicitors, etc; bank accounts and pension provisions; etc. Again, your lists and contents are going to be different to anyone else.
Is it all held securely but accessibly in digital forms on phone or computer? Or is it hard copy collected together or scattered with a summery of locations? Or in combinations of digital and analogue? Is it all singular as a master set or are there duplicates in case of loss or inaccessibility? Is it all in a safe, or a drawer by the front door, or on a notice board, or even in a go-bag? Are codes or passwords required to access?
Best wishes with your up-to-date key information – and in a safe place.
Hello – visitors or visiting
This might be the wrong title or a contentious or sensitive topic – but it is pertinent to a variety of potential disasters from personal to global.
When there are disasters, people can be displaced and lose their place of residence or work or study, temporally, permanently or for an unknown duration.
Would you be in a position to take in displaced persons as individuals, couples, families or groups? Do you have the potential of spare rooms or premises or grounds to accommodate such people? What would be the arrangements?
if they came knocking on your door – could you take in a neighbour in need?
And is it worth thinking about this creatively and practically in advance before someone is knocking on your door – possibly with their go-bag?!
Might this apply to your family friends, neighbours, local people, citizens from within the nation, or further afield?
On the other side of the coin where would you prefer to go if you were to be displaced? Do you have family, friends, neighbours, etc. who might accommodate you if you were to be displaced and are they agreeable? This may not be quite the same as “You are always welcome here” or “Do pop in if you are passing”. Clearly it may depend on reasons for and circumstances of your displacement. So an alternative Plan B might be appropriate as well. Or do you feel that the emergency services and local authority will sort out such matters for you?
Action OR No Action – being prepared
In times of crisis or danger there can be fundamental dilemmas of whether to act or not. Whether to be decisive or to dither or walk away. This piece looks at various situations and whether some preparation will provide knowledge and choice.
In the event of emergencies or evacuations it is the people who are knowledgeable and prepared who mange themselves and others most effectively.
to act or not to act, that is the question – is it better to be confused or face adversity with clarity
Resilience has been around for a long time, there is a latin phrase of ‘semper paratus’ – always ready or always prepared, a suitable motto. In the 18th century Benjamin Franklin advised “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. In early 20th century Robert Baden Powell founded the Scout movement with directions to “be prepared – ready in mind and body to do one’s duty whether that is for adventure, an emergency, or helping a neighbour”. And of course it is possible to assert that one is “born ready”.
These days we all tend to comply with commonplace instructions of No Smoking or wearing seat belts – it is considered the norm – it was not always so. And these days other recommended practices for health and safety are prevalent and may be pertinent in these increasingly difficult uncertain times.
Travelling. If you are seated on an aeroplane, you have a choice. You can ignore the safety briefing and not read the safety card – if you wish – while you talk to someone, or listen to music on your headphones, or have a doze. Or you can show respect for the people trying to look after your health and safety. Check your nearest escape points – they may be behind you – have a look. Practice the brace position. Open and close the mechanism on your seat belt. Be ready for action. While such announcements may appear to be very similar, all airlines and aircraft are different. Other instructions and practices are applicable when travelling on trains and coaches.
Traffic Accidents. If you are involved in or witness a traffic accident of cars, vans, buses, etc. initially establish if you need help and assistance, or you can provide help or assistance, or you are a bystander. Get people away from danger and to points of safety – such as on the side of the road, contact the relevant emergency services and stay on the line until all aspects are clear, make matters safe – as long as it is practical and appropriate to do so, take particulars of names, contact details, insurances, vehicle registrations, take photographs, be prepared to make a statement – so consider what happened.
Hotels / Holiday Homes. Listen to what the receptionist might say on health and safety issues – such as fire alarm tests, building works in progress – and make note. In your room read the notice on the back of the door – your way out may not be the same as the way you came in. Look for the green running man with arrows for the way out. Identify the assembly point. Read the information in the welcome pack. Be prepared.
Communal Living. This covers blocks of flats, houses in multiple occupation (HMO), retirement and nursing homes. There may be notices with instructions in common parts, on notice boards, in lifts on what to do in the event of fire or other emergencies. There can be similar information in Residents’ Handbooks and within rooms. It is good to be familiar with such information, please. And it can be helpful to point out if there are anomalies, ambiguities or not up to date.
Independent Households. It is incumbent of all households to ensure there are suitable arrangements for times of crisis for the safety and health of their occupants, visitors, public and premises overall. This could be a conversation within the family in residence or wider family or with friends as advisors. Provisions can be made for example with smoke / heat alarms and fire extinguishers, with security provisions, with arrangements for emergency services e.g. is your house number clearly visible.
Visiting Premises. Do you attend business meetings, or visit establishments, or attend emporiums of entertainment? On arrival do you spend a moment listening to or establishing the locations of the toilets, the means of escape and your surroundings – and choose where to sit or stand accordingly?
“Stay Put” or move. If there is a crisis and you assume or are advised that you should stay put, then you still have the options to be proactive in case you do have to move. So you can change from nightwear to daywear, with outdoor seasonal shoes and clothes ready, inform your neighbours of situation, have your mobile phone and keys to hand, decide if you may need to take your go-bag, inform family or friends of your situation. Listen for further instructions or to stand down because the crisis has passed. Do not use lifts.
“If you see something suspicious…” or witness crime. These are common announcements or directions. Reporting is not a difficult thing to do at all, or to ask someone else to do so if you feel unable or unwilling yourself.
In all these cases there is preparation involved so that when a crisis or dangerous situation just might occur then you and your family / group / colleagues / neighbours are in a better position to decide if and when to take “Action!” – or not. The challenge may be: do you want to be competent, compliant, caring, or casual, complacent, careless.
Best wishes with your preparedness and awareness for action OR no action.
Yellow Cars… and Resilience Bingo?
You know that thing where someone says, “Have you noticed how many yellow cars are on the road lately?” And suddenly, you start spotting them everywhere. Were they always there? Maybe. But now you’re tuned in.
Well, what if the same thing is happening with resilience?
Is it popping up more in conversations, in the news, in your own life? Are we becoming more aware of it—or maybe even building it without realising?
“Have you noticed how many yellow cars are on the road lately?”
To help explore that idea, we’ve come up with a little game: Resilience Bingo.
Yep, bingo. But instead of numbers, you’re spotting moments, challenges, and responses that call for resilience. You can play it daily, weekly, monthly—whatever suits. Track what you notice, reflect on how you respond, and maybe even win a prize (okay, the prize might just be perspective… but still).
There are a few ways to play. You might focus on disasters that demand resilience, personal pressures that test inner strength, or the tools and responses that help you bounce back. Here’s a sample of what might show up on your bingo card:
Global & Community-Level Challenges:
Burnt toast (yes, even the small stuff counts)
Business confidence wobbles
Coastal erosion and flood defences
Commodity shortages
Corporate collapses
Crime and policing pressures
Cyber threats
Earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters
Job market shifts
Event cancellations or chaos
Fires and floods (from storms or rising seas)
Hurricanes, typhoons, and extreme weather
Inflation and economic uncertainty
Infrastructure breakdowns
Insurance gaps
Political unrest and upheaval
Pollution and pesticide concerns
Recessions and depressions
Strikes and industrial action
Structural failures
Tech meltdowns
Terrorism
Transport accidents
Civil unrest
Utility outages
Volcanic eruptions
VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity)
War and invasion
Climate change impacts
And yes, there are wild cards too—like the UN Sustainable Development Goals, if that’s your thing.
Personal-Level Pressures:
Adversity in any form
Big life changes
Cultural expectations
Bereavement
Debt stress
Disability challenges
Divorce or separation
Faith and belief struggles
Inheritance dilemmas
Moving house or relocating
Losing someone close
Income loss or redundancy
Romantic ups and downs
Skills becoming outdated
Wet toast (because sometimes it’s just that kind of day)
Unexpected windfalls (yes, even good surprises require resilience
Best wishes with your resilience awareness and playing Resilience Bingo.
And More
This is a work in progress in the changing world. More is expected. If you have contributions, corrections, concerns or critisisms please let us know.
References & Links
This Community – in Meads
We are all parts of communities and networks – knowingly or unknowingly – which may come into play in emergencies. In Meads, Eastbourne and Sussex we are fortunate and well served by highly professional emergency services and strong local authorities and utilities with emergency plans and provisions including being able to call on contractors, suppliers, voluntary groups and when appropriate the military.
the MCA isn’t just here to fight wrongful development
Here in Meads, we are uniquely fortunate to have the Meads Community Association (MCA). MCA does much good work in looking after the interests of all members of the community including representing on planning matters, liaising with other local organisations / businesses / shops, providing community entertainment, etc.
In the case of suitable emergencies in our locality MCA will also step up to the plate. MCA is able to communicate with the community through its members via its emails, magazines, notice boards etc. MCA can liaise with local bodies on such matters as on use of open space, emergency centres, distribution of material, mobilisation of volunteers. We always hope that such matters will not be required. And it can be difficult to anticipate how, when and why they may arise. However it is such facilities that MCA makes available to and with the community.