THEATRES, pubs, clubs, restaurants, venues and a host of other hospitality and entertainment businesses across Hampshire and further afield are struggling to stay afloat following enforced closure amid the coronavirus crisis.

Here's five ways you can help a local business and ensure they are able to reopen once things return to normal.

1) Order a takeaway. Locally owned restaurants including Coriander Lounge and Ottoman Kitchen feature on the Deliveroo website and app alongside a host of national chains. At the click of a button, you could be tucking into your favourite Dum Ki Nalli, a slow cooked lamb shank on the bone from the popular Indian restaurant or a Turkish favourite like Mixed Kebab. Delivery drivers all operate a no contact policy and payment is made online in advance. With the restaurants closed for eating in, takeaways are reaching customers even more quickly than usual.

2) Buy a gift voucher. There's some risk to your money, but a good way to offer your support to your favourite venue is to keep their cash flowing even during closure. Gift vouchers are available on the websites of many Hampshire businesses. Steve Hughes, CEO of Delicious Dining, the family run independent which operates Grand Cafe and Banana Wharf among others, said the purchase of gift vouchers would go a long way in helping them through these unprecedented times.

3) Support their fundraising efforts. More than £6,500 has been raised since iconic Southampton music venue The Joiners launched their crowdfunding appeal last week. Hundreds of music lovers have donated in the hope of seeing the best up and coming acts return to the venue which once hosted Oasis, Coldplay and Green Day among other illustrious names. Charitable Trust Mayflower Theatre, which brings some of the best touring West End musicals, dance, comedy, live music, opera and plays to Southampton have a donate button on their website. Any donations will help to support our Mayflower Engage community and education activities and protect the theatre for people now and in the future.

4) Donate your ticket back to the venue. Nuffield Southampton Theatres (NST) is one of many local venues asking patrons to consider donating the value of tickets purchased back to the venue rather than taking a refund. Artistic director Sam Hodges told supporters that any donation, big or small, would be hugely appreciated at this difficult time and that he hoped to see customers back at NST very soon. NST is a registered charity making theatre and putting it on stages here in Southampton and out on tour nationally and internationally.

5) Support new initiatives. Many small businesses are having to think outside the box and launch new platforms for their activities. Whether it's taking part in a street dance session with Southampton dance school Street Beatz on You Tube or enjoying a virtual Toddler Sense Southampton session on the Zoom app, there are hundreds of initiatives allowing you to get involved with some of the favourite activities of you or your children from the comfort of your own home.