Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP

Member of Parliament for Streatham (and parts of Balham, Clapham Common, Tulse Hill and Brixton Hill)
Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Clapham & Brixton Hill

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Streatham Coronavirus Advice and Assistance

Mar 16, 2020 | News

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With the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation evolving rapidly, I’ve rounded up a list of useful resources for anyone looking to help or be helped in Streatham.

I’m in touch with local volunteers, businesses, community groups and Lambeth Council and this page will be regularly updated with information on any Streatham initiatives providing advice and assistance.

Health services

  • Always ensure any information you’re reading is from an official channel. For anyone experiencing Coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature or a new continuous cough), your first ports of call should be official NHS information.
  • St George’s Hospital have a dedicated information page for patients and visitors. If you’re planning to visit the hospital, please check before doing so.
  • Lambeth Council are also issuing local advice on their website.
  • Lambeth Council has set up an emergency helpline for over 70s and those with chronic health conditions who may be at increased risk: 020 7926 2999.

Support for vulnerable people

People with underlying medical conditions

  • If you have an underlying medical condition, you can register for special assistance during self-isolation. You are considered to have an underlying medical conditions if you:
    • Have had an organ transplant.
    • Are having certain types of cancer treatment.
    • Have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia.
    • Have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma.
    • Have a condition that makes you much more likely to get infections.
    • Are taking medicine that weakens your immune system.
    • Are pregnant and have a serious heart condition.

Assistance for older people

  • Age UK Lambeth are doing great work in the borough. If you know of someone who needs help, you can get them to call 0207 346 6800 or email mycommunity@ageuklambeth.org.
  • Here’s a list of other useful numbers that may be useful for older people seeking support:
    • Asthma UK: 0300 222 5800
    • The British Heart Foundation: 0300 330 3311
    • Diabetes UK: 0345 123 2399
    • Mind: 0300 123 3393
    • Scope: 0808 800 3333
    • The Silver Line UK: 0800 470 8090
  • Many supermarkets are offering specific hours for the elderly to come in. They’re also encouraging those who can to shop in-store in order to free up delivery slots for more vulnerable people and those in self-isolation. This useful app tells NHS workers and older people the best times to visit for groceries.

Mental health

  • Don’t suffer in silence. We know it’s going to be a difficult time for everybody over the coming weeks but there’s always help out there. Here’s a list of helplines who can offer you and your loved ones support.
  • Mind Lambeth and Southwark may be able to offer you more detailed advice on accessing local services. You can also call them on 020 3982 9221.
  • Campaign to End Loneliness have published a helpful briefing advising you on how to deal with the long-term challenges of self-isolation.

Volunteering

  • For those looking to volunteer in Streatham, a good starting point is the Lambeth Covid Mutual Aid group.
  • Age UK are also organising a big volunteer drive in the local area. Head over to their website to join up.
  • Lambeth Council have also set up a new volunteering initiative to help some of the borough’s most vulnerable people.

Food Banks

  • Food banks are struggling to get enough volunteers and struggling to acquire certain staples (pasta being the most obvious one). If you have the means, most of them also accept financial donations as well as food. You can find your nearest food bank on The Trussell Trust website.
  • Brixton/Norwood food bank desperately need volunteer drivers with their own cars to help them deliver food packages. If you’re healthy and able to help, email volunteer@norwoodbrixton.foodbank.org.uk.
  • You can find food bank drop-off points at:
    • Acre Lane Tesco
    • Brixton Water Lane Sainsbury’s
    • Waitrose, Balham High Road (behind the checkouts)
    • Tulse Hill Co-op
    • Tesco Extra Streatham (near main store entrance/exit)
    • St Paul’s Church on Ferndale Road (Saturday mornings only)
    • South London Refugee Association, Leigham Court Road, SW16 2PJ (10am-4pm, Mon-Fri)

Financial Support for Individuals

  • Citizen’s Advice and Step Change have published helpful advice on support for anyone struggling to meet their living costs, outlining how you can access emergency loans, access benefits payments early and other vital resources such as food.
  • You can get assistance with utility bills by calling your provider and telling them you are self-isolating. If you have a prepay meter, they will give you two weeks of gas/electricity and if you have a smart meter, they will top you up.
    • British Gas – 0333 202 9802
    • EDF – 0333 200 5100
    • EON – 0345 052 000
    • Npower – 0800 073 3000
    • Scottish Power – 0800 027 0072
    • SSE – 0345 026 2658

Financial Support for Business

  • I’ve published advice on the support available to local businesses seeking assistance. Consulting the government guidelines for business owners is also a good starting point for finding out what support you’re eligible for.
  • Lambeth Council are also publishing advice on what business support is being offered on a local level.

If you’re doing something to help out or if you think there’s some information that needs to be included on this page, please drop an email with some details to bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk.