Waltham Forest Council sets up 'Community Help Network' for elderly residents isolated by coronavirus

The Community Help Network, launched yesterday (Monday, March 23), allows those over 70 to ask for essential support through the council website or by ringing 020 8496 3000 between 9am and 5pm.

Charities Age UK Waltham Forest, Eat or Heat and PL84U will deliver food, collect prescriptions, carry out emergency home repairs and offer social contact.

The new network will supplement existing mutual aid groups set up by the borough’s residents, which can be found via Facebook here.

Council leader Cllr Clare Coghill, said: “In times of difficulty, we can take great reassurance in the knowledge that communities throughout Waltham Forest are coming together to support each other during the widespread outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

“The Waltham Forest Community Help Network is our way of supporting both our most vulnerable residents directly, as well as providing a way for residents to help each other.

“As we face this unprecedented challenge together, let’s remind ourselves of the pride and positive energy that makes us unique and use those attributes to help each other through what we know will be a very difficult period.”

The network will initially focus on “the most vulnerable”, according to the council, but is expected to develop further over the coming weeks.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to create a network of local hubs providing medicines and food across the country, although the specifics of this scheme are not yet known.

Residents who wish to volunteer delivering food, packing at food banks, doing admin or phoning the isolated can sign up at https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/vk/volunteers/registration.htm

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