Both the local authority through the H&F Community Aid Network (www.lbhf.gov.uk/hfcan) and the NHS offer volunteering opportunities, or you may have a local Mutual Aid Group that you could contact to help our nearby residents (https://covidmutualaid.org/).
Several Parliamentary Committees currently taking evidence on the impact of COVID19 that will be relevant to charities. The Women and Equalities is accepting evidence on the impact on people with protected characteristics up until 30 April. The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee is accepting evidence on the impact on homelessness and the private rented sector until 1 May.
The Chancellor announced last week that the so-called ‘furlough’ scheme has been extended until the end of June. The process for submitting claims also opened on Monday, allowing organisations currently furloughing staff to be reimbursed for 80% of staff costs. According to the Government, 5000 HMRC staff have been allocated to operate the scheme. Find out more.
Ramadan is a month-long Muslim observance which this year begins on the evening of Thursday 23 April and ends at sunset Saturday 23 May, and during which most Muslims fast from dawn until dusk. Employers are not required to make adjustments or arrangements for employees or volunteers who are fasting during Ramadan or other holidays when people of specific religious groups are required to fast, but considerate employers will try to do so. Read more
Working alongside the rest of the voluntary and charity sector in Hammersmith & Fulham at this time, Homeline at BCH is offering support through its staff and local volunteers to residents who don’t have friends or family close by to help them. Professionals can refer residents in need of support with loneliness or shopping support to us. Email homeline@creightonhouse.org Ways we can help you: Volunteers can make regular friendly phone calls two or three times a week where an older person can ask for help if you need it. Staff follow up these calls daily. Volunteers can do shopping for older, vulnerable people.We will take payment (where possible) over the phone later based on a receipt. Volunteers can collect urgent supplies or prescriptions We can provide useful local information about what support is available Staff can make referrals for further support if needed Call 0207 385 9689 option 1/ email homeline@creightonhouse.org Ways residents can help us: Volunteer with us We are still looking for local volunteers who are willing and able to go out to do a small shop for an elderly neighbour. We also need volunteers with the internet and a phone who can log into a cloud database and make telephone befriending calls on a weekly basis for us. Email jradusinovic@creightonhouse.org to enquire about volunteering with us.
The Jo Cox Foundation has founded the Connection Coalition alongside Mind, The British Red Cross, Facebook, Age UK, Nesta, Nationbuilder and The Cares Family. The Founding members are convening this cross-sector coalition to coordinate, amplify and inspire efforts to reinforce meaningful connections. In doing so, we will mitigate the impact of isolation throughout the Covid-19 and harness the power of strong relationships and connections for the future. Link