Tooting, Putney and Croydon MPs set up help for frail local residents
More than 1,800 people in Tooting have joined a Facebook group to help out local residents during the coronavirus outbreak.
Over the weekend of March 14/15, political leaders in Wandsworth set up Facebook groups and volunteer databases of residents willing to lend a hand if the coronavirus pandemic affects people in the borough.
More than 700 people have also signed up to volunteer to help people on their roads.
Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan was inspired by Croydon MP Sarah Jones, who set up a group last week.
Putney MP Fleur Anderson has also set up a similar group.
The idea is to match volunteers with organisations who need help, and deliver cards to residents so people know who to contact if they need help in the coming weeks.
There is also a list of local volunteers who can act as contact points for their street.
Dr Allin-Khan said she was amazed at the community response so far.
“These are very worrying times for our community, our country, and indeed for the whole world. The coronavirus crisis is extremely serious and our only priority must be protecting lives. We have a duty to support local residents so that we can contain the spread of Covid-19 as much as possible, but also to ensure that vulnerable residents are still cared for.
“I would urge people to follow all the advice given to them by our incredible healthcare professionals, to ensure they’re acting responsibly to limit the spread of the virus, and most importantly to look after each other. In times like these, we all have to stick together as a community and help each other as much as we can. We will get through this together.”
Last week it was confirmed that a patient in their 90s with significant other health conditions sadly died at St George’s Hospital in Tooting having tested positive for coronavirus.
As of 9am on March 13, there were 17 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wandsworth.
- To join the Facebook group for people across Balham, Earlsfield, Furzedown and Tooting to co-ordinate a local response to the coronavirus outbreak: Click here.
- To join a Street Volunteer initiative, so people can register as a volunteer on their street to provide support to those who need it: Click here.
- St George’s Hospital has also set up a dedicated information page for patients and visitors. Link here.
- To join a Facebook Group for people across Putney, Roehampton and Southfields to co-ordinate a local response to the coronavirus oubreak:Click here
I think this all absolutely great and I should like to volunteer to help in any way I can to support my local vulnerable friends and neighbours. As someone who lives alone with not much immediate support around me, I am concerned as to how I would cope with pet feeding if I was hospitalised and also the ability to get provisions if completely isolated. Grateful for any pointers or advice. Keep well and safe everyone.