COVID-19: A message to all our INTO friends, colleagues and supporters

We are thinking of you all as the COVID-19 situation develops on a daily basis.   Like every other organisation, our primary concern is that members of the international National Trust family stay safe.

The virus seems to strike at the very heart of the things we particularly value at INTO, like coming together, networking and community.  Global connectivity has been blamed.  And yet we know from experience that things are better when we work together as a global community.

As many heritage sites have closed due to COVID-19, we recognise that the coming months will be challenging for our members and the public alike.  No one knows exactly what it will mean for the people and places we care for as an international National Trust movement.  But the impacts will be long-lasting.

So, now’s the time for us to all come together as a global family.   To share ideas and approaches, concerns and worries.   And to stand in solidarity with other members of the international National Trust movement.    We are stronger together.    

We will continue to meet via social media, webinars and other wonderful technological solutions.    We will find creative and positive outcomes.  Currently, we are asking our members what support, advice or resources they need from INTO and will be sharing those answers shortly.  If in the meantime there is anything you are anxious about or wish to share, please contact the INTO Secretariat via the usual channels.

With our very best wishes and trusting that you will all keep safe and well.

Fiona Reynolds, Chairman of INTO, and Catherine Leonard, INTO Secretary-General