LOCAL INITIATIVES
Here’s a list of local initiatives that I’ve managed to find. I’d love this to be a comprehensive resource for everyone so if you know of any local initiatives that aren’t mentioned here, please let me know either using the contact form or by emailing me: fatima [at] cvkindness.com.
COVID-19 MUTUAL AID GROUP
For local volunteering opportunities, please check out this fantastic website COVID-19 MUTUAL AID UK. They are a group of volunteers supporting local community groups organising mutual aid throughout the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK.
They focus on providing resources and connecting people to their nearest local groups, willing volunteers and those in need.
They have compiled a very comprehensive list by location of local mutual aid groups.
LOCAL FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUPS
There are a tonne of facebook support groups being set up everyday to help the local community. These are additional to the COVID-19 Mutual Aid groups I’ve linked to above.
Please click the link below to be taken to the complete list.
Exclusive access for elderly and vulnerable customers for the first hour of trading on Mondays and Thursdays.
Exclusive access for elderly and disabled people and their carers from 8am-9am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
All stores will be open from 7.30am-8pm Monday-Saturday; Sunday opening hours to remain unchanged.
Exclusive access for elderly and vulnerable customers from 9am to 10am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
LOCATION COVERED
DETAILS
THROUGHOUT UK
NHS VOLUNTEER RESPONDERS:
NHS Volunteer Responders has been set up to support the NHS during the COVID-19 outbreak. To do this we need an ‘army’ of volunteers who can support the 1.5m people in England who are at most risk from the virus to stay well. Our doctors, nurses and other professionals will be able to refer people in to NHS Volunteer Responders and be confident that they have been matched with a reliable, named volunteer.
You can help by signing up for one or more of the tasks listed here. Once you have registered and checks are complete you will be provided a log-in to the GoodSAM Responder app. Switch the app to ‘on duty’, and you’ll see live and local volunteer tasks to pick from nearby.
100 BRANCHES ACROSS UK
NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY:
We’re trialling new branch opening times during the coronavirus outbreak so that elderly and vulnerable people can manage their money in a safe environment with a dedicated hour each morning.
From Wednesday, March 18, more than 100 branches1 across the UK will open from 8am, instead of the usual 9am, in a trial to determine whether it is an effective way of providing support to people aged 70 and above and those with underlying health conditions at an uncertain time.
The arrangement will enable groups of people at highest risk from coronavirus to go about their day-to-day transactions with greater confidence and safety during the pandemic.
FOR A FULL LIST OF THE BRANCHES, CLICK HERE
THROUGHOUT UK
RAINBOWS IN WINDOWS:
Families have been creating rainbows for their windows to cheer up passers by in Leeds during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kezia Roberts instigated the idea in Horsforth near Leeds after hearing about it in Italy.
Ms Roberts asked people to create rainbows for their windows to lift the spirits of people who can go out for a walk.
“Absolutely anybody can participate in making a rainbow for their window while they’re going through social isolation,” she said.
THROUGHOUT UK
Kings College London has launched a new app which tracks symptoms related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), allowing anyone to self-report daily.
They say “By using this app you’re contributing to advance vital research on COVID-19. The app will be used to study the symptoms of the virus and track how it spreads.”
PLEASE CHECK OUT THE COVID-19 SYMPTON TRACKER HERE
THROUGHOUT UK
JUSTPARK:
Our amazing NHS staff are working tirelessly to manage the #Covid19 crisis. We want to make it easier for staff and patients to park for free where they need it. Join the movement and help by listing your space today.
THROUGHOUT UK
NEXTDOOR NEIGHBOURHOOD APP:
Nextdoor, the neighbourhood hub app for trusted connections, was built to bring people together. They’ve launched a new feature, inspired by the outpouring of kindness from their members, to help neighbours even more and when it really matters the most.
The new Help Map is an interactive map of your neighbourhood, where you can mark yourself as someone who is available to help out and support a neighbour in need.
With neighbours all across the UK raising their hands to offer help to those that need it during the COVID-19 pandemic, their Help Map allows you to see your neighbourhood and the people available to help. Nextdoor members can add themselves to the map detailing the errands or support they can provide to elderly and vulnerable neighbours or those at risk.
EASTBOURNE
TELEPHONE BEFRIENDING SERVICE:
In Eastbourne, hundreds of people have signed up for a telephone befriending service to keep their community together.
For more information, or to sign up, email: eastbournevolunteers@gmail.com
OXFORD
FREE THERAPY:
In Oxford, a group of therapists are setting up a free, online clinic offering emotional and practical help for vulnerable, older people who have chosen to self-isolate. The Help Hub, comprising around 20 therapists, will offer free 10-minute sessions for residents across North Oxford via Skype, FaceTime or phone.
CAN YOU HELP? THEY ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS.
SOUTH WEST LONDON
STROUD
THE LONG TABLE:
We’ve sourced some bio-degradable food containers that food can be frozen and microwaved in. We will be delivering 7 meals for £25. We can drop them direct to the door (with or without contact) or these can be collected from our warehouse. We are able to cover the entire Stroud District and are working to provide delivery slots throughout the day and evening.
As always we are offering a pay-it-forward option for those who may not be able to afford the meals at this time.
FIND OUT MORE ON THEIR WEBSITE
LONDON
Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) church has set up a ‘Love Your Neighbour’ campaign.
Here are the details:
We have partnered with Bankuet to set up an emergency food and supplies bank to get essential supplies to those in need. We are also setting up volunteer helpforce teams to sustain regular contact with those in isolation and to assist with vital errands on their behalf.
TO VOLUNTEER OR TO FIND OUT MORE DETAILS, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
THROUGHOUT UK
POSTCARD FOR HELPING NEIGHBOURS:
Becky Wass, from Falmouth, Cornwall has designed a postcard aimed at helping people to look after their neighbours if they are self-isolating.
The print-at-home template is being shared on social media, with those in need able to request shopping, urgent supplies or “a friendly phone call”.
THROUGHOUT UK
LIST OF INDEPENDENT FOOD DELIVERY COMPANIES:
Niamh, author of the Eat Like a Girl blog, has created a list of independent food producers and shops delivering food during Covid19.
THROUGHOUT UK
OLIO FOOD SHARING APP:
We connect neighbours with each other and Food Waste Hero volunteers with local businesses, to share food (and other things) rather than chuck them away.
With schools, restaurants and cafes shut, empty shelves at local shops and no supermarket delivery slots available for weeks, families in your neighbourhood need you more than ever.
Sharing is fast, free and friendly! Share safely with no-contact pickups.
NORTH LONDON
VOLUNTEER WITH ST. LUKE’S CHURCH, KENTISH TOWN:
You can sign up to help local people in need with St Luke’s church.
THROUGHOUT UK
URGENT HELP NEEDED FOR THE HOMELESS:
Under One Sky is an organisation that provides care and information to some of the most vulnerable people in our society. We have no political, religious or commercial affiliation and are completely volunteer-led.
This is an excerpt from a letter they sent to the Prime Minister and Mayor of London:
“The positive measures being taken to protect the population at large are having a profoundly negative impact on a community that has already been ravaged by a cold, wet winter. In our opinion, the death rate will increase unless urgent action, of a kind that can only be marshalled by the authorities, is taken within days. In the eerie calm of Central London, a social and moral catastrophe is unfolding that we as a society cannot allow to happen. These are fathers and mothers, sons and daughter, soldiers and carers, the people that help make society function in happier times. We urge authorities to seek them out on the streets and provide accommodation and food to this most vulnerable section of society in the next days before it is too late.
Sincerely, Under One Sky (underoneskymgt@gmail.com)”
CAN YOU HELP? IF YOU CAN, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH UNDER ONE SKY EITHER THROUGH THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE OF BY EMAIL AT underoneskymgt@gmail.com.
Check out these lovely thank you messages to all the amazing people on the frontline:
Thank you from the public
Here are some of the lovely thank you messages that I’ve been receiving to share for the amazing keyworkers
Thoughts from Linette
Actress, producer and the principal of Stagecoach Theatre Arts in Primrose Hill, Linette shares her thoughts…
Thoughts from Fari
Wife, mama to 3 and full time working woman, Fari share’s her thoughts…
WANT TO ADD YOUR OWN THANK YOU MESSAGE?
Please click here so that you can write your own thank you message to all of the amazing heroes serving our nation.