Significant restrictions are now in place to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.  Our focus is on staying well ourselves and watching out for those at risk in our community – both family, friends and neighbours.

May we suggest – if you have not already done so – that you take this opportunity of exchanging contact details with your immediate neighbours – particularly the over 70s and those with health conditions.  It is important to know who is ‘self-isolating’ – especially those who are asked to remain at home for 12 weeks.  If you don’t have/can’t get their contact details, then a ‘postcard through the door’ is a good idea.  We know one local road which has set up a Whatsapp Group.  This has proved invaluable in giving security alerts, but it can also now be used to identify households asking for support.

Turning to the broader picture, schools and local businesses (small and large) are closing.  We are all preparing ‘for the long haul’ but we are urged to do ‘responsible shopping’.   Life is beginning to feel very strange.    Charities have been set up to help to get support out into the community – the National Care Force (https://www.nationalcareforce.co.uk/) for example, has been specifically set up to help people volunteer to support the most vulnerable members of our society.  No-one has necessarily to take the initiative to start something new – they just need to sign up.  The Hillingdon Food Bank is massively short on essential supplies.  This is where we can give real support.  They need both food and volunteers – not necessarily to come into contact with others – but to bag up supplies, etc. for distribution.

NURA has taken two steps.  We have set up –

A CAMPAIGN FUND – see later.  This will be used to support voluntary initiatives in the current situation.  Please bring to our attention any that you know.

A HELP LINE  – No. 07413 231999   – intended to be available for such groups as the elderly, those living alone, or those without internet/e-mail.  Two of our members – Sheelagh and Sushma – have offered to take turns to operate the help line.  They say ‘A compassionate and caring approach is essential to get us through this difficult time’