I’ve been moved to see how people are coming together to support others during this pandemic. There are some really important initiatives happening in Goldsmiths’ home borough of Lewisham.
Goldsmiths partners including Lewisham Local and Lewisham Council have been playing a pivotal role in the community during the pandemic. They’re part of Lewisham Response Hub – a partnership of local organisations working together to coordinate community volunteering and ensure the most vulnerable people in the borough can continue to access the support they need at this difficult time.
The Response Hub brings together a range of organisations including Lewisham Local, Age UK Lewisham and Southwark, Voluntary Services Lewisham, Lewisham Food Bank and Lewisham Council, as well as other partners.
The project is offering vital services to Lewisham residents: teams are coordinating befriending services to help combat loneliness made worse by this unprecedented period of social distancing. They’re organising weekly food parcels to residents who may not be able to get food deliveries or are struggling to afford essential supplies. And they’re also working to provide accurate and up to date information to the community.
It’s clear the work of the Response Hub is greatly needed. As of last week, Lewisham Local had received 4,782 referrals for help, including 3,229 food requests, and 953 requests for their telephone befriending service.
Over 2,000 volunteers have signed up to volunteer for the Response Hub. Some are calling vulnerable people, others are packing food parcels or shopping for those who can’t.
As this pandemic continues to highlight the stark inequalities in our society, people need their community now more than ever.
If you are local to Lewisham and can offer your time to support people in your community, please do submit an application – the Response Hub is still looking for new volunteers. The team are particularly keen to hear from you if you have DBS clearance.
You can find out more and sign up to volunteer for the Lewisham Response Hub on the Lewisham Local website.
