(Tuesday 5th May, 2020)
This period of lockdown is hard on us all – but survivors living with longterm disabilities are particularly vulnerable to the virus AND to the adverse effects of social isolation. Without us, existing mental and physical health issues will deteriorate, while the strain will be felt acutely by family members, who usually become the main carers.
Headway East London supports nearly 1,000 local people a year, and we are determined not to let a single one of them down, in spite of the circumstances. We’ve transformed our services and re-imagined how friendship and community works in lockdown, to ensure that everyone receives practical and emotional support, stimulation and comfort during a traumatic time.
Even while we’re at home, no one should feel alone.
You can support the campaign here.
Donations to the ‘Home Not Alone’ campaign will help pay for: crisis intervention and daily welfare calls; personalised activity packs for members; physical and mental health support and one-to-one remote counselling and therapy sessions for those at risk of deterioration; emergency deliveries of food, medicine, and other essentials; and online groups and creative projects to recreate the social networks and community spaces of the charity’s day service – bringing people together even while apart.
Throughout this campaign, we’ll also be sharing work and resources created by the community throughout lockdown online, and running a couple of events. Mark your diaries for:
- A Headway x Barbican Takeover on Wednesday 13th May and brand new video workshop from Headway member Billy (join in here)
- A special “Headway Headscratcher” quiz fundraiser on Saturday 16th May (book here)
- The launch of a new Submit to Love t-shirt range on Monday 11th May (details to come…)
- The launch of a new collaborative colouring book on Tuesday 12th May (details to come…)
The community are also being encouraged to share pictures and stories of objects carrying special meaning to them from their homes in a project “Object of my Affection”. All resources and further information about the campaign, showcasing the ways in which members are home, but absolutely not alone, can be found on our campaign hub here.
