Residents offered hot meals and internet advice to encourage them to get vaccinated

Bromley residents will be offered a hot meal and internet advice in a bid to encourage them to get their Covid-19 vaccination.

NHS South East London has teamed up with local charity, Crystal Palace Community Trust, to encourage residents of Penge to get vaccinated at Anerley Town Hall.

At the same time as getting their vaccine, residents can pick up a hot meal and get some expert advice about using the internet from Clear Community Web, an organisation that helps to develop digital skills in older people, vulnerable adults, carers and community groups.

Although overall vaccination rates in Bromley are high and the borough is one of the best performing in London, the uptake is lower in those from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities and those living in areas of deprivation.

Dr Alka Sharma, GP and Clinical Director for the network of GP services providing the COVID-19 vaccination in Penge, Bromley said: “We are delighted to be working with the Crystal Palace Community Trust.

“Their links with the local community and their support are invaluable in helping to encourage those living in the Anerley and Crystal Palace areas to have their vaccine and get protected.

“We are holding two special vaccination clinics at Anerley Town Hall on March 18 and 25 from 12pm-4pm, to help make it as easy and accessible as possible for those who are eligible to come forward.

“The vaccine is the best way to protect you and your loved ones. Our team of clinicians are happy to talk to anyone who is not sure about whether to have the vaccine and needs more information”.

Tracey Skillern, Manager at Crystal Palace Community Trust said: “We are delighted to support our local NHS by providing Anerley Town Hall as another location where local residents can get their Covid vaccine.

“We are a community based charity which supports small, local initiatives and represents the diverse cultures and age groups that live in our local community.

“We encourage everyone we work with to come forward when it is your turn to be vaccinated”.

Anyone in an eligible group can book a vaccination at the clinic by calling 020 8175 0473

Dr Andrew Parson, Bromley GP and clinical vaccination lead for South East London Integrated Care System said: “Clinical staff working across Bromley in hospitals, GP practices and vaccination hubs continue to do a remarkable job and have vaccinated tens of thousands of Bromley residents so far.

“However, we need to make sure that no one is left behind and make it as easy and convenient as possible to get the vaccine.

“The clinics at Anerley Town Hall are just one example of how we are doing our best to reach as many people in Bromley and encourage them to get protected and save lives.”

More information on the Covid-19 vaccination programme in South East London is available at www.selondonccg.nhs.uk