Here we are, almost a year later… back in a national lockdown! Here at Parliament Hill, we asked the team ten questions about lockdown life, what they have learnt and how things have changed for them personally over the last year. First up, we have Hayley, our amazing Operations Manager.

1. What have you done differently compared to the first lockdown?
   Unlike in the first lockdown, there weren’t any support bubbles whereas there are in lockdown 3. Hence I have been making the most of seeing my family so I don’t go stir crazy and not see anyone, which happened in lockdown 1. This has made a huge difference to me mentally.
2. Did you keep up the hobbies you picked up in lockdown 1?
   Not really. It was much better in lockdown 1 because of the time of year – spring and summer. Winter are miserable months anyway, well January and February are and things are so much harder.
3. How has lockdown changed the way you look at your life?
   YES 100%. It has made me look at things in depth and see what is really important, what I don’t really need and to curb my ‘want’ for things (in terms of ‘need’ and unnecessary expenditure). It’s also proved who and what is really important in my life.
4. If you weren’t in lockdown right now, where would you like to be?
   In a hot sunny place on the beach with a large gin and good book. Or somewhere really cold looking like Iceland or Norway in an glass igloo looking for the Northern lights! (and with a Gin and my family)
5. If you were to arrange an online dinner party who would you add to your guest list? (This could include people you know or people you don’t know).
   Just Michael Buble!
6. What is your favourite self-care routine you do when you need a pick me up in lockdown?
   A gin and a facial and a good old gossip with my friends where you talk absolute rubbish! (And drink)
7. What is your top TV watch recommendation?
   Either Queens Gambit / Room 2806 or Selling Sunset or any good cheesy TV
8. If you could be an animal, which animal would it be and why?
   A Shark of course!

Series editor Ellen Waters. Avatars are sourced from Bitmoji (bitmoji.com).