DURING this challenging time, it can be hard to see beyond the bad aspects of the news.

It is also difficult to try and maintain a sense of normality, but many people across the country are offering their services, skills and advice to help everyone.

We have compiled a list of people, companies and organisations helping people amid the coronavirus outbreak, in whatever way they can.

1. Teaching mathematics through Youtube

David Payne is a maths teacher who has created free maths tutorials on Youtube to help parents educate their children at home while the schools are closed.

'Help At Maths' covers a range of topics, from times tables, number bonds and doubling numbers, with plenty more videos to come.

To watch David's helpful videos, visit his Youtube channel, 'Help at Maths': https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7kVfwnFN1gBTMSdDrR-YYA/featured

You can also visit his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/helpatmaths

2. Singing with the Rock Choir

The largest contemporary choir of the UK is determined to 'Keep Britain Singing' during the pandemic.

With the entire UK public facing isolation, the Rock Choir Team were determined to find a way to support every individual and family across the UK by offering them a daily boost of Rock Choir.

Rock Choir is encouraging the whole country to join them for a daily fun sing-a-long-of uplifting contemporary pop songs via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheRockChoir/

This fun event will take place everyday from 3pm until the choir's normal rehearsals can resume.

The Rock Choir Team of talented musicians and singers will take part in leading the singing and will rotate in front of the camera on a daily basis to deliver an uplifting, positive song via Facebook Live.

Each individual or family in isolation will be encouraged to join in and sing with the Leader, along with the thousands of Rock Choir Members.

Do some vocal warm-ups, then log in to Facebook and join in the daily ‘Keep Britain Singing’ live show from 3pm everyday.

3. Free school meals

St Luke's CE Primary School in Bournemouth is still providing children entitled to free school meals with a packed lunch, despite most being at home in isolation.

In a Facebook post on March 24, the school detailed safe pick-up information and available lunch options.

If your child attends St Luke's and is usually entitled to free school meals, you can pick up their lunch between 11am-12pm everyday.

Please note, these meals are not for all children who have free school meals in Reception, Year 1 and 2.

4. Live baking competitions

The Big Bakes, the UK's first and only live baking competition, is set to host an array of remote tutorials to get the nation baking at home.

The baking team will be sharing three bake-at-home classes each week across their social media channels, covering easy to follow recipes that use the day-to-day ingredients and standard kitchen equipment found in the home.

Each two to three-minute session will demonstrate how to create an array of decadent desserts, in a bid to encourage community togetherness during a time of social distancing.

To participate in these fun baking sessions, visit @Thebig_bakes on Facebook or Instagram.

These social media platforms will detail what ingredients are required for the upcoming class.

Once people have completed their creations, they can share a photograph with @Thebig_bakes, in order to be in the running for a prize.

Each week, The Big Bakes team will choose the winning amateur baker, who will receive vouchers to attend a live session later in the year.

If you want to take part in this really sweet event, head over to The Big Bakes' social media platforms.

5. Create a Nature Diary

This time is perfect to explore and learn more about your garden and nearby open spaces.

The National Trust recommends keeping a nature diary; to record the changes in nature, learn and express some creativity.

Find yourself a diary, a scrapbook, or a sound recorder – and get started.

Make a note of all the things you’ve seen and done in nature, whether that's learning the name of a gorgeous flower/plant, having a picnic in your garden or simply what you have observed out of your window.

This is a great way to experience nature from the confines of your home.

6. Britain's Most Heroic Tails

Do you have bored children at home?

Why not encourage them to get creative and enter this pawsitively awesome competition.

The charity Blue Cross is encouraging children aged seven to 11 to take part in their fun and light-hearted competition 'Britain's Most Heroic Tails'.

Children are being asked to design a movie poster featuring their pet as a superhero.

Those who don’t own a pet can draw their imaginary ‘super pet’ and explain what their powers would be.

The closing date for entries is May 15 at 3pm.

Full details can be found here: www.bluecross.org.uk/postercomp

7. PE with Joe

Celebrity fitness body coach Joe Wicks is getting Britain's kids (and adults) fit this week by running online PE sessions.

The high energy live series is aimed at keeping children across the nation fit and healthy while people remain indoors.

PE with Joe will be airing every morning this week from 9am and lasts 30 minutes.

You can watch Joe's live videos and take part via his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1

Remember to abide by the government's rules of only going outside for food, health reasons or work (if absolutely necessary), staying two metres away from people, and washing your hands as often as possible.