Coronavirus: Greenwich and Lewisham residents mobilise to help neighbours

Hundreds people all over Greenwich and Lewisham boroughs are beginning to take action to make sure older neighbours and other vulnerable people are looked after during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Mutual aid” Facebook groups have been set up across southeast London on Facebook to co-ordinate efforts, while Greenwich Council has also begun taking names of volunteers who can help pick up shopping and run errands for those advised to stay at home.

Meanwhile, people inside and outside residents’ groups are banding together to offer help to those in their streets or neighbourhoods.

Here are some of the bigger efforts going on at a borough-wide level. If you know of other more localised efforts that could benefit from more volunteers, leave a message in the comments. (Our sister site The Charlton Champion is keeping track of what’s happening in SE7.)

Greenwich Council register

Yesterday, Greenwich Council leader Danny Thorpe began collecting names of people who can help deliver items by car, on foot or by bike; who can help cook meals; or who can help organise volunteers. By 11pm, over 400 people had already signed up. To sign up, fill in this form.

Mutual aid Facebook groups

The Lewisham Covid-19 Mutual Aid group was one of the first to set up in London and has spawned a number of sub-groups for individual areas.

A Greenwich Covid-19 Mutual Aid group has also been set up – its founder is in contact with Greenwich Council about co-ordinating efforts.

There is also a Bexley group. To find other groups elsewhere, visit Freedom News.

Erith and Thamesmead MP’s register

The Erith & Thamesmead MP Abena Oppong-Asare is also compiling a list of people able to help in her constituency. If you’re in that area, which stretches from Plumstead station over to Erith, sign up here.

Food banks need your help

Food banks are going to need help more than ever during this crisis – especially with people taking so many goods for themselves at supermarkets in recent days. To find out how to donate to a local one, visit Greenwich, Lewisham and Bexley food bank websites for more.

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CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

• Official figures on virus spread
• NHS advice
• Government info | Greenwich | Lewisham | Bexley
• Wash your hands
• Don’t stockpile, give to a food bank: Greenwich | Lewisham | Bexley

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