IT’S EMILY and William here this week, thinking back on a very different 2020 with this terrible virus, changing our ways of living all over the world.

Thankfully neither of us have had the virus, at least not that we are aware of. We are pleased not to have had any symptoms, and been careful to follow the guidelines and keep ourselves and those around us safe.

In a year where we have all had to change the way we live, like wearing masks, washing our hands frequently and keeping our distance from others, we still don’t really know what 2021 is going to bring. We just hope that it won’t be too long before things can be a bit more normal again.

Although it has been a difficult year, we are so glad to have technology which has helped us see our friends and have good mental health. Without it we think we’d have been really sad and lonely, plus worried about our friends. It’s also got us thinking about how people in wartime coped. On top of not knowing if a bomb might be dropped on them, they had food rationing, no communications like phones or Zoom with loved ones except occasional letters, men heading off to war and children evacuees going to the countryside away from their families. It made us feel we are lucky in many ways and grateful for all the things we have.

We don’t like all the confusing news, as the media don’t make it easy for us to follow the plans when they keep questioning things the government are saying. It’s best when it’s kept simple, even if plans have to change because of the new strain.

So stay safe and well. See you in 2021!

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff