Tackling coronavirus together as a community

Having trouble reading this email? Click here to view in browser

Leader of the Council Clare Coghill green background

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 

Walthom Forest

Waltham Forest has such a strong sense of community, togetherness and belonging - over the past few weeks we have seen people come together from all walks of life to unite and keep our more vulnerable neighbours, family members, and friends as safe as possible against COVID-19.

I am so proud of how the borough has responded. We've seen people donating to food banks, signing up to be a volunteer through our Community Help Network - over 1,500 at last count, and in just 48 hours our crowdfunding exceeded the original target set and raised over £10,000! I know that residents and businesses will assist in tackling this pandemic by helping us find the personal protection equipment (PPE) our carers need to alleviate the pressure on Whipps Cross Hospital. Our care workers have today alone taken 32 patients out of the hospital and back into their homes or other community facilities. Together we can support our local NHS in this fight. 

We know we have all had to make sacrifices and changes to the way we would usually live. This is not easy. But I urge you to stay strong, stay focused, and continue to follow the government advice to reduce the spread of the virus. 

Community Help Network

Community Help Network

PPE: Do you know a business who can donate?

ppe gloves

A week ago we launched our Community Help Network, including the launch of a council helpline, to support some of our most vulnerable residents.

So far, over 1,500 volunteers have signed up to sort through food donations, pack parcels, and deliver them to residents. In just a week, these essential supplies have started to reach the people who need them most. You can request help for yourself or an eligible relative by completing the simple online form on our website.

Remember, the network has been set up to support residents over 70 or who are self-isolating in line with NHS advice and do not have access to any other community support. Please only request help as you need it – you do not need to get in touch in anticipation of a future need. 

Free School Meals

catering

If your child normally receives free school meals and is currently not attending school, they can still receive their meal during this time. To find out if your child is eligible for benefits related free school meals, please click here.

Schools are being encouraged to provide flexible options, which may include:

- Packed lunch, hot box takeaways or food hampers collected from your child’s school or another local school.

- Supermarket vouchers which may be emailed to you.

- On site food provision for children attending school. 

Your school will advise you on what they offer, how you can collect this and what to do if you are self-isolating. If your school is shut, your school should contact you to tell you what they have put in place to ensure children can access food.

Find out more here.

Care workers looking after vulnerable people and those that are discharged from hospital will need personal protection equipment (PPE).

PPE includes disposable masks, visors, goggles, face protection, disposable tie-back aprons and latex or plastic gloves.

PPE is currently in short supply but if you run or know of a local business that uses it (think nail bar, salons, joiners, craft studio, butchers etc) then please help us by donating or reaching out..

No donation is too small. It can be dropped off at The Magistrates by the Town Hall on Forest Road, E17 4JF. Alternatively (if you are self-isolating or unable to travel) please email us or direct message us on social media.

Looking for ideas to keep busy?

crayons

Finding yourself in need of some new inspiration for things to do at home?

We’ve done the work for you and created a Digital Hub which pulls together a whole range of handy online resources, it’s a user-friendly hub where you can access learning materials for children, recreation and eco-friendly activities to do at home, and tips to stay physically and mentally healthy.

We’d also love to hear from you about what you’re doing to keep morale up – please share your ideas with us on Twitter using #AllTogetherNowWF so we can share with residents.

Keep up to date with Council Services

Following Government instructions some Council services are being reduced to ensure the safety of both residents and staff. 

A number of services have been affected but we are working hard to ensure that vital services continue. You can get up to date information on our services and how to access them by clicking here.

iphone subscribe

Information and advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing quickly and its important you keep up to date with those changes. The Council will be using email newsletters to keep residents and businesses up to date.

If residents have questions please visit our website, and use live chat to talk to one of our team, it's quicker than phoning.

Sign up for email newsletter

 

Manage preferences or unsubscribe

Privacy Policy

Contact us

Help

TwitterFacebookYoutubeInstagram