Neighbours Become Local Heroes In Chiswick
Groups forming in residential streets to give support to those in need
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Elderly and vulnerable people in Chiswick have been praising the neighbourly spirit of individuals and grassroots groups who have been helping them with shopping and collecting medicine in these difficult times.
Some have used social media to set up street groups to reach out to elderly, vulnerable, or self-isolating residents. Online platforms such as Whatsapp have also been put to use to put people in touch with other and respond to resident's needs.
The Chiswick Mutual Aid group on Facebook provides a platform to connect local volunteers with isolated neighbours in the W4 area during the COVID-19 pandemic. And another new platform has been formed called Cooperating In Chiswick UK They have added all the roads in Chiswick so individuals can select those nearest to them to best match up. Churches in Chiswick have also been actively involved with their own parishioners in need and have also been streaming services.
Jonny and Jenn
Cornwall Grove, (off Chiswick Lane) was one of the first to get into action and one 87-year old resident, Simon Rodway, has written to chiswickw4.com to praise the local volunteers for their community spirit. He says; "Following last year’s street party, Cornwall Grove residents have been organising a fantastic help scheme to support elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating residents, during the coronavirus epidemic. Lead by Jenn and Jonny Irvine, all residents have been contacted to see if they need any help with shopping etc. In addition, people who are not self-isolating have offered to help in this way.
"As an elderly person who has had to self-isolate this has been a Godsend for me. The efficiency of the scheme is remarkable and whenever I have sent an email request to Jenn, the goods have arrived on my doorstep the very next morning. Tony (who shares my house with me), also has to self-isolate for fear of passing the virus on to me. He said, “I have now started believing in Father Christmas, only he no longer comes down the chimney, but leaves goodies on the doorstep!!”
"The street is also concerned for lonely people, who may welcome phone or email contact.
"This dreadful virus has caused such disruption to all our lives, but it has also brought out the very best in so many people."
A neighbour's support group has been formed in Rusthall Avenue and the organiser says "We are offering emergency support for the elderly and those who have to self isolate with nobody else to help them.
"Taking all precautions and respecting social distancing, we are offering help with provisions, emergency supplies, prescriptions, etc." They are now urging residents in other streets to follow their lead and form their own support groups.
Let us know of your local neighbourhood heroes who are going the extra mile in this difficult time, to editor@chiswickw4.com
Remember to follow social distancing regulations if shopping for others, and practice safe hygiene through hand washing and disinfecting surfaces.
Hounslow Council has a newsletter giving up to date advice It has also set up a Community Hub with advice on where to get help.
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March 28, 2020
