Islington Council Leader's message 24 April 2020

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Do not delay calling your GP if you are concerned about your child’s health. Hospital is still the safest place for your child if they are seriously ill.

WE ARE Islington Are you struggling because of Coronavirus (COVID-19)? We are Islington is here to help you Get in touch

Access to Health Care

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.

Health services are open as usual. Some services are being delivered differently. You may be offered a telephone or video consultation with your GP rather than a face-to-face appointment.

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 are open every day from 9am to 5pm.

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For British Sign Language (BSL), look online at www.islington.gov.uk/accessibility. Signvideo C lines are open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, Saturday from 9am-1pm, Sunday closed. 

Find 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.

Support us If you/your business want to volunteer please approach a local group or check out www.islington.gov.uk/findvolunteering. You can also email volunteer@vai.org.uk Please ensure that any organisation that you help gives you advice on how to keep yourself and others safe. If you feel able to, you can donate to the Islington Giving Crisis Fund at www.islingtongiving.org.uk

If it is an emergency Dial 999 or attend an accident and emergency department.

Accident and Emergency services for children are now based at the Whittington Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital. UCLH children and young people’s emergency department is redirecting patients to alternative local hospitals.

Immunisations

Immunisations for young children and baby checks after birth are essential for your child’s health and are still being delivered by your GP.

Concerns about coronavirus Coronavirus is unlikely to make your child unwell, but other illnesses may make your child severely unwell. Health services have put measures in place to ensure you are kept safe from coronavirus, if you need to attend. Let the medical team know if your child has coronavirus symptoms – a fever or cough. It won’t affect the care you receive but it will ensure that everyone is safe.

Sources of information and care For general information refer to NHS online at nhs.uk or use 111 online at 111.nhs.uk Call your GP if you need to discuss your concerns and seek help. Call 111 for further advice 24/7 If you are worried about your child’s emotional wellbeing or mental health call Islington social, emotional and mental health services: 020 7527 7400/3355 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri).


A message from Islington Council: Thank you, Islington This week marks a month since lockdown measures were introduced and I know this has been the most challenging time that many of us have faced. At times like these community becomes more important than ever, and I am immensely proud of how ours has pulled together to face this national emergency. There have been some truly remarkable examples of community kindness across Islington. The Andover food project, for example, has been providing vital food parcels to those in need. Finsbury Park Mosque has worked with Human Appeal and Wishes Catering to hand out 100 meals to NHS workers at The Whittington Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Toy Project in Archway has put smiles on faces at a very difficult time by delivering unwanted toys to children across Islington. Our incredible NHS workers continue to work so hard, to save lives. Many council staff, including social workers, teachers and refuse collectors, have been out every day, keeping our vital services running. We are so grateful for all this, and to every person that has changed their life in order to stay at home. By following the Government’s guidance, we are all saving lives and protecting our NHS. It’s absolutely vital that you continue to do so. We know that staying at home is particularly difficult for those facing domestic abuse and violence.

If you’re in this position, help is there for you. Solace in Islington provide free, confidential support on weekdays, 9am-5pm via 020 3795 5070 and advocacy@solacewomensaid.org Out of hours, residents should call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. If you’re in immediate danger, phone 999. Press 55 if you’re unable to speak - doing so alerts the operator and police will be sent to help. The strength of our community in Islington is reflected in our compassion and kindness, by supporting each other and continuing to do the right thing, we will get through this crisis. 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 Facebook or Twitter @IslingtonBC. All information on this page is correct as of 11am Thursday April 23.

What you need to do to slow the spread NHS staff are doing incredible work night and day to treat coronavirus patients. Here’s what you can do to support them and slow the spread of the virus: Only go outside for essential food, health reasons or for work – but only if you can’t work from home. If in doubt, stay at home.

LONDON

The care sector needs you more than ever…

If you do go outside, make sure you stay at least 2 metres away (6ft 6in) from other people.

to provide essential care and support to elderly and vulnerable people. During the Covid-19 crisis social care, alongside the NHS, is vital to helping people recover.

You’re allowed to go on parks and some green spaces for exercise once a day. Try to go at quieter times, such as early morning or in the evening, to avoid others.

Make a di�erence today and register now at www.proudtocarelondon.org.uk

We’re actively recruiting, for temporary and permanent sta�.

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DAYS

Don’t forget to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. For more information, see www.gov.uk/ coronavirus

To help local businesses, Islington Council has compiled a helpful directory – an interactive map of the borough that points residents towards small, independent, local enterprises. It includes restaurants, chemists, food banks and grocery shops that have all been approved by the council as operating safely. The directory is at Islingtonlife.london We would love to keep expanding our list of participating businesses. If you would like us to add your details, please get in touch at businesssupport@islington.gov.uk

Changes to services To keep delivering vital services and support our most vulnerable residents, many council services are changed, including:

Do not meet with others, including friends or family. You can spread the virus to them or others even if you don’t have symptoms. Self-isolate for seven days if you start displaying any symptoms, including a new, continuous cough and/or a high temperature. Anyone you live with should self-isolate for 14 days from the day you developed symptoms.

Shop local to support Islington’s businesses

Our housing repairs team are focusing on essential maintenance, safety checks and emergency repairs only. Please report emergency repairs by phone only.

You will be: • doing important and valuable work • trained • o�ered �exible hours • contributing to your community

For latest information, including details of opening arrangements for Trent Park Cemetery and Islington and St Pancras Cemetery, see islington.gov.uk/contact-us/ changes-to-services


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