How can I help?

It’s a simple question, yet one that carries so much weight. I’ve been watching New Amsterdam on Netflix (yes, I know some of my medical colleagues and media critics might find it a bit cringe-worthy, but for me, it’s an easy watch and an absolute tearjerker). At the heart of the show is Dr Max Goodwin, the hospital’s Medical Director, whose go-to phrase is: “How can I help?”

It’s got me reflecting on the work we do in the community. Some problems are labelled wicked—too big, too complex, too overwhelming to solve completely. And sure, no single person can fix everything.

But we can help.

One person. One family. One team. One organisation. Or maybe just one comment, one post, one meeting, one session, one workshop, one program, one project—you never know which step will be the one that truly makes a difference. The one step that you can add some value.

I’ve always believed in giving people a hand up, not a hand out —it’s where it all started for me. And while we might not change the whole world, we can change someone’s world. We don’t need perfect solutions. We just need people willing to do their bit. So, thanks, Dr Max Goodwin, for the inspiration (and the tears!).

💙 So, how can I help?