What We’re Doing to Help
In the light of the current national emergency we are changing how we work, and what we do.
We are not alone in this and many, if not all, local Healthwatch organisations have shifted focus. Healthwatch England has issued guidance suggesting that all local Healthwatch organisations review their activity at this difficult time.
In line with Government advice, we cancelled all outreach, any physical public-facing meetings and enter and view visits. In addition to this, all our staff and volunteers are now working from home.
We have refocused our energy to do what we can to support local people in RBG:
- Our HWG mobile number (07903 685 550) is being used as first contact for members of the public requesting support from Greenwich Covid19 Mutual Aid group
- We are answering all calls coming into this number during office hours – 7 days a week
- We are triaging all incoming calls, recording details of support needed, completing appropriate forms and forwarding to most appropriate contacts within Greenwich Mutual Aid group
- We have used our office facilities to print 1,000+ leaflets for Greenwich Mutual Aid group (which have been delivered by members of the group)
- We will use our website and our social media channels to signpost to Government advice and local support mechanisms for vulnerable/self-isolating
- We have contacted all our volunteers and suggested they consider offering support and getting involved in their nearest Covid19 Mutual Aid group
- For those who are lonely and lack social contact, we offer a friendly voice and reassurance over the phone
- We follow-up (those who request further call backs) after first contact
- We are working with RBG and the voluntary sector to coordinate our efforts
As the situation progresses we will continue to do whatever we can to support local people.
