UPDATED : 1 June 9 am

This is a particularly worrying time for people in high risk groups - people over 70, those with underlying health problems such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, cancer and immune system illness.

By nature Golden Lane residents like to look out for their neighbours and many informal groups are self organising. A group of residents headed by resident Councillor Sue Pearson have formed the GLE Covid 19 Hub to support these groups.

Most of us can only do simple (but still very useful) things to help - picking up shopping, telephone buddying, delivering leaflets. Knowing when you can’t help is just as important as doing what you can to help. If you would like to volunteer or are worried about a neighbour contact the HUB on glecovid19@gmail.com or call 07714 777692

When helping neighbours who are self-isolating just remember to be scrupulous in avoiding contact. Queercare have put together some very useful protocols including how to deliver shopping, pick up prescriptions, disinfecting etc

Residents are being regularly leafleted (all volunteers have been instructed to follow proper hygiene protocols), and there is also an email newsletter.

• HUB Flyer 1 24 March : GLE Covid 19 HUB - how to volunteer / get help
• HUB Flyer 2 30 March : HUB update; Square Mile Food Bank
• HUB Flyer 3 9 April : HUB update; GLERA drawing competition
• HUB Flyer 4 20 April : HUB update; useful phone numbers including food deliveries, link to online deliveries

Residents and some of our elected Members are also using the Health and Wellbeing forum to post updates and info.

There is a facebook group: City Mutual Aid  supported by Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK, a group of volunteers supporting local community groups organising mutual aid throughout the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK, providing resources and connecting people. Follow on twitter: @CovidAidUK

Updates from the City

You can sign up to the @Home newsletter by emailing home@cityoflondon.gov.uk

7 May Third special edition of @Home enewsletter with important updates from Housing Service in response to Covid 19 pandemic, useful information on important services such as repairs and estate services, plus sources of information and advice for residents on issues like rents, benefits and money issues. 

9 April Second special edition of @Home enewsletter with important updates from Housing Service in response to Covid 19 pandemic, useful information on important services such as repairs and estate services, plus sources of information and advice for residents on issues like rents, benefits and money issues. 

30 March Councillors were provided with a letter to forward to residents seeking advice covering the following:

• a contact number if you are self isolating and need help 020 7606 3030
• a dedicated email col-covid-19@cityoflondon.gov.uk
• if you have received NHS 'vulnerable' text where to register to receive government support services
• the latest Government instruction on social distancing
• more detailed advice on City of London Residents’ Advice Page (income worries, schools, libraries, health and wellbeing, supporting relief efforts, latest Government advice, Covid related scams)

27 March Special edition of @Home enewsletter with important updates from Housing Service in response to Covid 19 pandemic, useful information on important services such as repairs and estate services, plus sources of information and advice for residents on issues like rents, benefits and money issues.

20 March all residents should have got a letter through the door from Liam Gillespie, Head of Housing Management, with the latest update on Estate services. Also an invitation to add our names to the residents email distribution list home@cityoflondon.gov.uk

He asks residents (in confidence) to let them know if they are self-isolating because you or one your household are unwell by emailing resident.involvement@cityoflondon.gov.uk

You can read the letter in full here.

There is further useful advice on the City of London website. It asks anyone over 70 who is self-isolating to contact them in confidence at col-covid-19@cityoflondon.gov.uk with name, address, date self isolation started and if you have any concerns or special requirements.

You can also find updates on the City of London Lane facebook page

The Estate office also post regular updates on the Estate Office forum

18 March Andrew Carter Director of Community and Children's service wrote to Community Groups supporting community response but reminding us to 'follow public health guidance on social distancing and self-isolation – so as not to put at risk the very friends and neighbours we wish to help'.

Read full letter here

Other useful links

Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response

NHS advice for the public including an online assessment giving advice on what to do if you think you have symptoms

NHS advice for self-isolation