Find support near you

The coronavirus emergency is affecting our whole community, but there are things you can do to help as long as you follow the health and safety guidance.

I have developed an interactive map (above) that shows what’s going on near you. It includes what’s app mutual aid groups, online facebook groups, local food banks and local voluntary organisations like Age UK.

Each pin on the map represents an organisation. Just click on a pin that’s near to you to see how you can get in touch and volunteer your time. The different coloured pins reflect different types of groups:

• Yellow pins highlight local food banks
• Green pins have links to local WhatsApp information groups
• Blue pins have links to local facebook pages
• Purple pins show local community action groups

Let me know if you are aware of any more voluntary or community groups or new street groups in your area and I will add them to the map.

If you or anyone you know in Croydon North needs help or advice about coronavirus or are in difficulty because of the current situation, Croydon Voluntary Action have set up a helpline on: 020 8253 7076.

Access Food
With so many people offering support to older people during these uncertain times, I am working with CVA and Age UK to ensure food and essential items are delivered to vulnerable older people in the safest way.

If you need food or essential hygiene items and can’t get out contact [email protected] or call Age UK at 020 8686 0066 for further information.

Donate Food
Our local food banks are running out of supplies. If you can make a donation of food or sanitary products, please take them to the Trussell Trust’s foodbank donation point at the entrance to Tesco, 32 Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath CR7 8HX.

The food banks are particularly short of dried pasta, tinned fruit, tinned fish, pasta sauces in glass jars, soap, toilet roll, and women’s sanitary products. A list of all the items they need can be found here: https://croydon.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/

There are other ways you can volunteer your time to help our community during these difficult times. Croydon Voluntary Action is co-ordinating volunteers across the borough in liaison with the main voluntary sector and community groups. If you can offer some time, please email Croydon Voluntary Action giving your full name, address and contact phone number: [email protected]

You will be able to register to volunteer on Croydon Voluntary Action’s new website from Thursday 19^th March at: www.cvalive.org.uk

Finally – please stay safe and help others to stay safe. The latest advice is available on Croydon Council’s website here: https://www.croydon.gov.uk/healthsocial/phealth/coronavirus-information/covid-19-coronavirus?home=banner