Over the course of the last few days as the Covid-19 crisis has developed, so too have the community engagement responses to it. This week BD Collective met with Barking and Dagenham Council to ensure that there is a coordinated response to the situation for the most vulnerable residents in the borough. Similarly, a group of Havering residents have established a ?Covid-19 Mutual Aid' Facebook group to find volunteers who can support those self-isolating or in vulnerable circumstances.
The BD Collective which can be found here: https://bdcollective.co.uk/about-us/ is an organisation which brings the social sector of Barking and Dagenham together in partnership with others to address local challenges and develop initiatives.
Currently BD Collective are identifying organisations in each locality who will be able to co-ordinate activities like shopping, medicine deliveries and other issues that will come up for those who are self-isolating and are vulnerable. Regular phone contact will also be important for the individuals referred.
There is a role for anyone who wants to get involved and BD Collective will be developing support clusters via the Co-ordinating Organisation in each locality ? these organisations will be published as soon as identified.
If you would like to volunteer, or know anyone that may benefit from such services at this time please contact via the website: https://bdcollective.co.uk/
If you live in Havering the ?Mutual Aid' Facebook group can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/231197438280762/ you need to request to join the group. The admins are following national safeguarding advice and administrate the group with care. The group is only for members of the community either looking for support or looking to support others in this time. Support includes shopping, checking to see if neighbours are okay, general errands etc.
Jon Cruddas MP commented: "it is encouraging to see the community coming together in the face of this crisis and I hope that it continues. I am again urging residents to ensure that they only follow official Government advice and keep watching out for updates via the NHS and Government websites.'
Barking and Dagenham Council have been providing frequent updates regarding the situation via social media. These can be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barkinganddagenham/ and on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbbdcouncil