Help Needed For Elderly And Vulnerable Residents In Chiswick

Ways in which local community can assist neighbours in need

Happier times, recent line-dancing club for local elderly residents

The community in Chiswick has been asked to mobilise to help out with elderly or self-isolating neighbours who could be stuck for food and other supplies during the COVID-19 health crisis.

Age Concern Chiswick has shut its doors since Monday, (March 16) to its weekly friendship club which has around 135 members.

If you are elderly and need help quickly, you can try the local branch of Covid-19 Mutual Aid . Its Facebook page says: "Mutal Aid group is aiming to help those who may be quarantined due to the Covid-19 outbreak."

Some streets are already setting up Whatsapp groups, and neighbourhood watch coordinators have reached out in some areas.

A Hounslow branch of Covid-19 Mutual Aid has been established. Its Facebook page says: "Mutal Aid group is aiming to help those who may be quarantined due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

"This is a group set up to coordinate support in the London Borough of Hounslow. Please share with people looking to help each other out during the coronavirus pandemic.

"We will be looking to help people access food, complete errands etc - particularly those who are elderly, disabled and/or immunocompromised."

However, while most people offering to help the elderly are genuinely kind and honest, the OWL neighbourhood watch has warned that opportunists and criminals can take advantage of the elderly and vulnerable who are self-isolating.

"We have already received a few reports from outside our borough. Anyone being offered 'kindnes'" by cold callers by way of running errands, collecting prescriptions and doing shopping should not accept services from strangers who may ask for cash up front, a credit card and its PIN, or gain trust simply to execute a more elaborate scam such as access to their savings."

"If I may count on the rest of you to please join the effort and to make contact with your nearest elderly neighbour that you already know, so to warn them, and if possible to offer them help and give them your phone number so they’ll contact you when they need it. By doing so, we give them some reassurances that they are not on their own and we’ll also reduce their chances of being victims of scams."

The Brentford & Isleworth Labour Party Executive have agreed to support COVID-19 Mutual Aid UK. They say; "If you are in self-isolation and would appreciate some support from local volunteers then please get in touch with us; whether that is jobs that need doing or just a chat on the phone. Contact brentfordisleworthclp@gmail.com or message 07342 985581.

Members under the age of 70 who do not have underlying health conditions and feel safe doing so can get in touch if they wish to volunteer. All volunteers should follow the latest health guidance from the NHS at all times and should not put themselves or others at risk."

Government Guidance for those staying at home says;"We know that staying at home for a prolonged period can be difficult, frustrating and lonely for some people and that you or other household members may feel low. It can be particularly challenging if you don’t have much space or access to a garden.

"It’s important to remember to take care of your mind as well as your body and to get support if you need it. Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media. There are also sources of support and information that can help, such as the Every Mind Matters website

"Think about things you can do during your time at home. People who have not minded staying at home for a week have kept themselves busy with activities such as cooking, reading, online learning and watching films. If you feel well enough you can take part in light exercise within your home or garden.

"Many people find it helpful to remind themselves why what they are doing is so important. Hopefully, none of your family will suffer more than flu-like symptoms. But some people are badly affected by coronavirus, and particularly the elderly and those with certain medical conditions. By staying home, you are protecting the lives of others, as well as making sure the NHS does not get overwhelmed."

Government advice on Covid-19 has warned that people with weakened immune systems, older people and those with long-term conditions such as diabetes and cancer are more likely to develop severe symptoms.

More information on the NHS website

You can also follow updated advice and information from Public Health England

March 18, 2020