A host of community groups have been created in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak to help the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions who need to self-isolate.   

The Covid-19 mutual aid groups serve as a forum where people can share information, volunteer help, or ask for it if they are in need.   

The groups are about neighbours and community members looking out for each other to help contain the spread of the virus and support those most at risk.   

Help can include offering essential items, picking up groceries, running errands, making calls, or just offering a friendly voice on the phone if people are lonely.    

Online group Covid-19 Mutual Aid has a list of local groups on its website.  

The organisation also warned that while Facebook and WhatsApp are good organising platforms, they might not be the easiest way for vulnerable to find and contact groups.   

Sticking up leaflets with contact and general information around the area and dropping them off at homes can be helpful, with large writing for those who are visually impaired.   

The organisation recommends setting up a group if people wish to help, the smaller and more local the better.   

In Lewisham, the following have already been created:  

There is a mutual aid master spreadsheet available online for Lewisham residents, which includes a list of local WhatsApp groups, here. 

It also includes links to charities, Covid-19 advice, and leaflet templates.  

Lewisham Local, a cohort of volunteer and community groups, is working with the council, Voluntary Services Lewisham, and Age UK Lewisham and Southwark to coordinate a response that will help the most vulnerable.  

They are focused on providing accurate, up-to-date information, delivering food and supplies to vulnerable people, and befriending and social isolation support through the phone and IT wherever possible. 

They offer support to anyone looking to volunteer, as well as toolkits for providing toolkits for community action to ensure that people are safe as they support each other.  

The website can be accessed here.

Basic advice when planning to volunteer: 

  • If you feel at all unwell, do not volunteer 
  • Wash your hands regularly, especially before and after you deliver any items 
  • Try to support people who live close to you so you don’t travel longer distances. 
  • Don’t bring people together face to face, be mindful of the governments advice on social distancing and isolating people at greater risk from Covid-19 
  • If you make a delivery, stay two meters away from the person who is in isolation at all times. Place the items outside their door and then step away 
  • Be careful about how you share personal information about yourself and other people 
  • Be careful about taking money and how many people may be more vulnerable to fraud at this time