More on coronavirus: residents, businesses, vulnerable people, more information.
It’s crucial that in times like this everyone pulls together – as a community, as councils working together, and with business and our other partners. We’ve already had a number of enquiries from local people and groups asking how they can help their neighbour or in their communities. We are as always humbled by the amazing community spirit of Westminster’s residents.
In the first instance if you need help or you know of anyone who needs help as a result of COVID-19, please send us the details or phone us on 020 7641 1222.
If you are concerned about anyone who you think requires social care and support, please phone 020 7641 1444 or 020 7641 1175 or email adultsocialcare@westminster.gov.uk
The council is maintaining its essential services which you can contact in the usual way.
Find a list of local, community-led and national organisations that are able to provide support services during this time.
You can also sign up for our digital updates for the latest on our coronavirus response.
1. Volunteering
To ensure that we are able to co-ordinate efforts and promote the work of local volunteers and volunteering groups to those who need help, we would like to hear from you.
We are setting up a system to connect volunteers to those who need help. Anyone who thinks they would like to help out, please leave your details.
By volunteering to help you may be asked to do any of the following tasks:
- shopping for food/supplies
- delivering food/supplies to vulnerable residents
- picking up and delivering prescriptions
- having a friendly phone conversation with those at risk of loneliness when in isolation
- walking dogs for those self-isolating
- supporting with critical transport needs
- helping with digital skills coaching
2. Other ways to help
You can also help by:
- donating to food banks such as North Paddington Food Bank or Westminster Food Bank
- donating money to registered charities who are supporting the vulnerable and isolated
- responsible social-distancing and self-isolation
- avoiding panic buying groceries and leaving those who are vulnerable without basic items
You can also donate to The World Health Organisation's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
4. Set up a local group of volunteers
5. If you are already volunteering
If you are involved in a local volunteering group please send us the details so that we can help publicise your activity to those who need help.
6. Staying safe
If you are volunteering to help someone, please take the below steps to make sure you do not contribute to the spread of COVID-19. These include:
- if you feel at all unwell, do not volunteer to help others who are self-isolating
- wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap, especially before and after you deliver any items to a person in isolation
- if you make a delivery, stay 2 metres away from the person who is in isolation at all times - place the items outside their door and then step away
- be careful about how you share personal information about yourself and other people - avoid sharing your or a vulnerable person's address and other contact information in public groups or documents
- try to support people who live close to you, so you don't travel larger distances
Make sure you check the advice every day for updates on Covid-19. The situation is changing quickly so visit NHS.UK for the latest advice.
7. Security and scams
Be careful about sharing personal information about yourself and other people.
Be careful about taking money and mindful that many people may be more vulnerable to fraud at this time.
Protect yourself and your details from scams and fraudsters. Unfortunately criminals are launching a range of attacks to make money out of exploiting people’s fears over COVID-19.
Please share the below crime prevention advice with friends and family members so fraudsters cannot profit during this time.
Online purchases
- do not click on links or attachments in suspicious emails
- never respond to unsolicited messages asking for personal/financial information
- install latest software and updates on devices
- if you are looking at making purchases on sites you don’t know or trust then make sure you do research of the company first before making the purchase, ask family and friends for advice always use a secure network starting with https:\\
- if you do decide to make payment, use a credit card as the majority of credit card providers insure purchases made online over £100
Offers of help at the doorstep
- you should not invite people into your home and should avoid physical contact
- sign up for deliveries of repeat prescriptions medicines and groceries with established businesses where possible or ask friends or relatives for help with this
- personal details should never be given to strangers
- never agree to pay for goods or give money to strangers at your door, check their credentials - if you are suspicious call the police
- keep in contact with your loved ones, especially if elderly or more vulnerable and make sure they are safe and comfortable
- the virus can still be spread through the transmission of cash, so please be careful when handling this
For more information visit Get Safe Online.