London Taxi Driver Dale Forwood...Talks To Passengers About Their Experiences During Lockdown.

Thrive LDN has released a radio documentary called ‘Taxis Talk’ to capture the experiences of Londoners during lockdown.

In the documentary, London taxi driver and BBC’s The One Show contributor, Dale Forwood, takes listeners on a unique journey speaking to passengers about their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic and exploring how life has changed for them.

The 30-minute programme brings a human perspective to a global health crisis, exploring how resilient Londoners are and what they have been doing to cope during a such a challenging situation.

The stories are emotional and authentic, but ultimately uplifting and inspirational, celebrating the best of Londoners and our city’s diverse communities.

The programme captures many diverse voices and experiences from across London. From a young singer-songwriter, NHS key worker, to retired grandmother and even a stand-up comedian. 

Dale Forwood provides a warm narration to the programme and talks to listeners about how she has been a supermarket home shopping delivery driver during lockdown.

Thank you to those who took part and spoke to Dale about their experiences. 

The programme was broadcast on Radio Harrow and Chalkhill Community Radio on Saturday, August at 1pm and 3pm, respectively.

Taxis Talk is available to listen directly here:

Thrive LDN · Taxis Talk

Dale Forwood said: “It’s been moving listening to people’s experiences during these past months and how they have been getting through each day. There are plenty of top tips for staying positive and looking after yourself now and after the pandemic.

“For me, I sometimes woke up in the morning thinking this can’t be happening, like a bad nightmare, but as a key worker doing the food deliveries and a few jobs in the taxi, that kept me active and gave me the drive to get up and go.”

Dr Jacqui Dyer MBE, Mental Health Equalities Advisor for NHS England and Co-Lead of Thrive LDN, said: “These remain incredibly challenging times, and some people will find it harder than others because of their health, where they live and the impact COVID-19 has had on their financial situation. 

We can’t forget or underestimate the emotional distress this whole pandemic has had and will continue to have on communities across London.”

In London, there are a range of free resources, online tools, and helplines available to help you cope and stay mentally healthy. You can explore some of these here.

Taxis Talk was produced by John Offord for Thrive LDN.