Dear
Newham resident,
Email: volunteers@activenewham.org.uk or call 020 3770 4444.
As
the coronavirus crisis continues to disrupt all our lives, with 77 confirmed
cases in Newham as of today, I read about the death of the UK’s youngest
victim. Her name was Chloe Middleton. She was 21-years old and not known to
have had any pre-existing health conditions.
As
I expressed heartfelt condolences to her family, her death was another stark
reminder of the unimaginable impact that will affect many of our residents if
we don’t take seriously the new restrictions announced by the government on Monday
night. They require us to #StayAtHome, stop all non-essential travelling, ban
group gatherings and all religious services - except for burials which are restricted to small number of immediate family
members.
I
know these adjustments are really hard for all of us, but in this unprecedented
time we need to act urgently to delay the spread of coronavirus to minimise the
number of people who become infected or die.
That’s
why I’ve been speaking via video and teleconferencing to voluntary groups and faith
leaders about the help we need to spread these vital public health messages;
and to work with us to support our most vulnerable.
These
calls are the first in a series that are being organised over the coming weeks
for residents across our eight community neighbourhoods so that I can update
residents directly about the Council’s response to the virus.
I’ve
also been heartened by Newham residents who are volunteering and offering to
support us to help our most vulnerable. It’s a humbling demonstration of social
activism and our collective humanity.
Today
we launched the Council’s #HelpNewham Local Hub – a network of schools
and council buildings across each of our community neighbourhoods, which will
act as distribution centres delivering healthy food parcels and prescriptions;
and offering a ‘chat service’ for residents via telephone who we know need
support.
Coordinated
by the Council, we’ll be working with the voluntary sector, places of worship
and resident groups and targeting the most vulnerable. Our #HelpNewham Local
Hub network will support over 70-year olds who live alone, as well as
people who receive support through adult social care and those with health
conditions who have been identified by the NHS.
The
#HelpNewham Local Hub will also support young people who we care for
through social services, those who receive free school meal; and families
with children with special educational needs and disabilities. We’ll also be
using the #HelpNewham Local Hub to support members of our street
homeless community and families living in temporary accommodation.
We need as many volunteers as
possible, and that’s why I am asking you to help me, as we need to build as big
as possible volunteer army in Newham!
So
please ask anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer to email us for
more information and to register. This can be done via volunteers@activenewham.org.uk or call 020 3770
4444.
In
the meantime, please remember to do your bit to delay the spread of coronavirus
by following the NHS advice here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
NHS 111 also has an online coronavirus service too which can be
accessed via: https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19
Now more than ever we need to
look after each other, so take care, be safe and always practice social distancing.
Best wishes,
Rokhsana Fiaz OBE
Mayor of Newham
People at the heart of everything we do
No comments:
Post a Comment