WE ARE Islington Are you struggling because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)? We are Islington is here to help you Get in touch
If you or someone you know needs support, then help is available. Islington Council, voluntary sector and mutual aid groups are working together to provide support. This could include help with getting food or medicine, online group activities, legal advice or a friendly conversation. You can contact organisations directly or call the We are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222. You can also email weareislington@islington.gov.uk Minicom: 020 7527 1900 We will be open every day from 9am to 5pm. Remember you can keep up with local news, link to public health advice and sign up to our ebulletins at www.islington.gov.uk/coronavirus A big thank you to all the residents, volunteers and charities across Islington who are rallying round to support their community. We are Islington.
Can you help someone who is struggling? There are lots of ways to help, including volunteering with local community groups. Charities in the borough also need assistance. If you/your business want to help please approach a local group or check out www.islington.gov.uk/findvolunteering for details of the latest volunteering opportunities. Please ensure that any organisation that you help gives you advice on how to keep yourself and others safe.
Can you donate to help someone who is struggling? If you are able to, please give to the Islington Giving Crisis Fund. Every penny you give to this fund will go to people who are isolated, anxious and in most need of financial support through this crisis. www.islingtongiving.org.uk
A message from Islington Council: Stay at home to save lives We are living in unprecedented times, and while the last few weeks have undoubtedly been among the most challenging this generation has ever faced, I’ve never been prouder of our community here in Islington. I want to thank residents across the borough for the way they have selflessly stepped forward to help others. We are facing the biggest national crisis since the Second World War, and it’s crucial we all do our bit to limit the spread of coronavirus. The most basic, straightforward way we can do that and save lives is to stay at home. Unless you are a key worker, you should work from home to stop the spread of the virus.
Unless you are going out for vital trips like buying food, taking exercise or attending medical appointments, the message is clear: stay at home. Even if you believe you are fit enough that coronavirus won’t seriously affect you, the people that you pass it on to may not be so fortunate – that could be passers-by, friends, or much-loved relatives. We recognise the mental and physical benefits of exercise, so our parks remain open to allow those who do not have their own outdoor space to exercise once a day. But, if you’re out, make sure you stay at least two metres (6.5ft) away from anybody else. These
#StayAtHomeSaveLives: How you can help We should all be saving lives by staying at home. If you can do your job at home, then do: your employer should support you in this. Remember, even if you don’t have symptoms you can still spread the virus. If you go out on vital trips – such as shopping for necessities, taking exercise once a day, a medical need, or to travel to essential work - make sure that you stay at least 2m (6.5ft) away from others, and wash your hands when you get home. How far is 2 metres?
How far is 2 metres? 2m
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If you are aged 70 or above, or are younger than 70 and have an underlying health condition(s), you need to be particularly careful. This means not leaving your home for up to 12 weeks, and asking others to buy essentials for you. A list of relevant underlying health conditions is on Public Health England’s website.
rules apply to everybody – no exceptions – and if we see them being flouted then we will not hesitate to close our parks. Please do the right thing and stay at home to save lives. Cllr Richard Watts, Leader of Islington Council For clear, up-to-date, easy-to-read guidance and updates, visit www.gov.uk, www.nhs.uk, www.islington.gov.uk, and the Council’s Twitter page @IslingtonBC. All information on this page correct at 11am Thursday March 26
Staying in touch while isolated: How technology can combat loneliness
Should you display any symptoms, self-isolate for seven days. If after seven days you still have a high temperature, continue to isolate until it returns to normal. If you live with or come into contact with someone with symptoms, self-isolate for 14 days. Modern technology makes it easier than ever to stay in touch with loved ones while staying at home.
Changes to services We continue to provide vital services, such as recycling and refuse collection, child safeguarding, adult social care and housing support. Because of coronavirus, some services are changed or closed, including: Islington schools are closed until further notice, but remain open to children of key workers. Islington Register Office is closed for all services, apart from to register a death.
Adventure playgrounds and youth hubs and centres have closed. All of the borough’s playgrounds, outdoor gyms and football pitches have closed. All of the borough’s libraries are closed until further notice, as is Islington Museum. Library fines have been suspended. The Hornsey Street Reuse and Recycling Centre is closed until further notice.
Social networking sites like Skype, Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo, WhatsApp and Snapchat are free, easy to use and allow video-chatting with friends and family on a phone, tablet, or computer. Regular quality social connection, even online, can help overcome emotions like loneliness, anxiety or stress. As well as chatting, there’s plenty of fun things to do on video calls – such as playing board games together, watching movies or TV shows at the same time, or even having group “café” or “quiz night” online meet-ups.