As you may have seen from our statement on Tuesday 17th March, we’re changing the way we support our membership due to the spread of Covid-19. And it’s all (washed) hands on deck! Take a look at some of the new ways we’ll be working, and keep checking back for additions as we progress….
DAY SERVICE
- We’re implementing regular (at least weekly) welfare & friendship calls/video chats with our membership; to have a catch up and to make sure they have enough support in place – with referrals to our other services, or others in the borough, if needed.
- We’ve gathering up art supplies and pieces-in-progress to send out to members using the art studio; so they can continue their practice at home (and offering it out to those who may now want to try).
- We’re putting together recipe cards & ingredients packs for those who are able to engage with cooking independently (and have a virtual cook-along).
- We’re also exploring additional ways we can creatively connect with our membership: ideas include filming art tutorials, sending out seeds packs, and setting up a lunch service for our most isolated members – watch this space!
- Our day service members will also continue to be supported and engaged with a number of our services below (like Therapies and Casework) and some receive Community Support Work which will continue in an adjust and safe manner.
THERAPIES
- Our day service members will be offered counselling sessions via phone or Skype with our team.
- Our Therapy Assistant will be recording exercise sessions (yoga/ t’ai chi /dance) and uploading to a private YouTube channel for our members to use.
- We’ll also be recording relaxation sessions for general release for members and for our wider supporters who may also be currently self-isolating at home.
- All private psychotherapy sessions and 1:1 sessions in our Enfield Brain Injury Clinic will be offered via phone or Skype.
CASEWORK
- Our team will continue to provide support, knowledge and advice to those on our caseloads (across all services) regarding benefits, housing, brain injury education, statutory entitlements and ensuring they are fully supported by relevant agencies and stakeholders. A lot of this work is already done via phone and email and will continue without major disruption.
- We’ll continue to liaise with survivor’s medical professionals, social workers, agencies and families – and our Peer Support Worker is available to provide expert experience and support to those in need at this difficult time.
- We’re going to start offering a remote legal advice in the form of a phone clinic, in partnership with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, to all of our members across various services.
Closing our doors was an incredibly hard decision, not only because of the implications for our membership; it also brings financial repercussions that will add a further strain on our charity as we continue running. If you have considered donating to us before, PLEASE do it now, so that we can keep heading out in the community to support those who are isolated and need specialist care and support that only places like Headway East London can deliver. We’ve also put together some other creative ways you can help – and will keep adding to these.
If you live in our catchment and have questions/ need support you can contact us on info@headwayeastlondon.org or (dependent on office staff) 020 7749 7790. If you are looking for help nationally, please see the Headway UK website. For more information on the coronavirus Covid-19 please visit the Public Health England website.
Thank you and keep safe x
