The effects of the Coronavirus pandemic will be huge for people within our community. It will increase isolation, unemployment, financial poverty and exacerbate poor mental health. So the need for volunteering will be greater than ever and we really appreciate your help over time.
VCH recognises that many people want to start volunteering, and support our community, as quickly as possible. During this busy time though, it may take us slightly longer than usual to get back to you on an application or an enquiry due to the volume of requests we have to process. We are hugely grateful for your patience during this period.
Here are some suggestions and advice on how you can give your time or resources to others:
Many local Hackney charities are struggling financially and would really appreciate your support. Hackney Giving has been set up specifically to raise funds for local charities who are allocated small grants. Over £21k has been raised so far from businesses and residents, but they still need to raise more.
Can you sew? ScrubHub continue to take new volunteers to help make scrubs for the Hackney area, as well as across the UK so please check their website for a full, updated list of where you can help or donate to the team to help them keep producing scrubs.
If you have children (and need to keep them busy too!), ask them to draw a picture for a neighbour or write a letter.
Offer to do some gardening – particularly front gardens – e.g. trim a hedge.
St Mary’s Secret Garden are trialling home delivery in Hackney for gardeners who are most vulnerable to Coronavirus and people who are isolating but would like to grow food at home. To support them during this difficult time you can donate here.
Support local charity Wheely Tots, who have devastatingly had their bikes and tools stolen during the pandemic – read more about them and donate to their fundraising here.
Do some guerrilla gardening – plant up a tree pit, or share some plants or seedlings with neighbours. What about a competition to see who can grow the tallest sunflower and get your family and neighbours involved?
Donate to Homerton University Hospital’s Covid Hope campaign, or buy an item from the hospitals’ Amazon wishlist to help keep patient’s spirits up.
Support local charity Hackney Quest who work with young people in the community with their own fundraising campaign here.
Make your Thursday night clap for NHS a bit more special by cheering people up with a song or a funny skit.
Can you or your organisation donate telephone or IT equipment for people who currently have limited access to technology?
Little Village is collecting donations for baby clothes, toys and equipment which is being distributed to families around London. More information here.
If you are going to cook for a neighbour, ensure that you learn about their cultural, health or dietary needs first.
Join the Hackney Covid-19 Mutual Aid Facebook group to interact with the community here.
Support HOME+’s fundraising for cooking meals for Homerton Hospital’s staff by donating here.
We have been supporting communities to come together through skills-sharing for over 20 years. If you have skills or a project idea you would like to share with us we would love to help you. This could be an online activity or a skill you would like to share with others such as coding, sewing or knitting! Please email Sulekha on [email protected].