We wanted to share with you our Director’s (Aaron) regular update he’s sending around to all staff and volunteers at KLS. Just to keep you in the loop!
[Do you like pic above of Aaron as Bernie the KLS Bear?]
If you need anything during this difficult time then please get in touch with us on 020 7223 2845 and [email protected]
And ‘Battersea Corona Virus Angels’ are on hand too: 07394 856 557 and [email protected]
I hope you’re all very well.
I’ve been struck by all the amazing work that you’re doing in such stressful times. I know it’s not easy supporting our members but you’re doing so with such resolve, care and kindness. I’m so proud of you. So thank you.
Rather than focus on our own services for now I wanted to give you a quick update about all the other things that we’re involved with in Battersea and across the borough.
The Battersea Coronavirus Angels are up and running. Two weeks in and we have recruited over 300 volunteers, helped 100+ people (so far), are taking 6-10 calls/day from local residents in Battersea to help with shopping, picking up cancer drugs and other prescriptions, providing emotional support and more. There are some amazing stories coming from this that I’ll share with you later. Check us out on social media e.g. https://twitter.com/AngelsBattersea
If you know of a vulnerable person or a family who are based in Battersea and need some help then do call the Angels on 07394 856 557 and [email protected]
As you know we’re part of the Big Local SW11 Alliance and last week we launched an emergency Battersea Covid-19 Grant Fund for local charities and community groups to bid for. More info here and here. Again please do share this with groups in Battersea that you think need a bit of funding.
I’m also part of the Voluntary Sector response across Wandsworth and we’re working closely with various Wandsworth Council departments. In fact, there is a daily phone call at 11am between us all. This is to coordinate our efforts with Wandsworth Age UK, Citizens Advice, Foodbank (and more) and Council colleagues from the Communities & Partnership team, Social services etc. It’s working well but there’s is so much to do.
I had one bit of success of encouraging the Council (along with others) to set up a Covid-19 Community Grant Fund, and that it be open to all charities and community groups to apply to. They’ve done it and launched it yesterday here. Again please do share this with local groups that need funding.
Last Friday (3rd April) at 12pm we launched our own Covid-19 Emergency Fundraising Appeal and by yesterday morning (7.49am to be precise) we had reached our target. I’ve been blown away by everyone’s generosity, and am truly thankful to them all. People can still make a donation here:
(do share this with your own friends and networks). We will use this as a ‘fighting fund’ for our own services and for what’s needed locally with the Coronavirus Angels.
In addition to these emails to you I’m putting up regular updates on our website here: www.klsettlement.org.uk/blog and do follow us on social media.
That’s it for now.
Take care and stay safe.