Dear colleagues and partners,

We have all been advised to take measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus. For many in our communities – particularly those who are older or who have support needs – this will be a time of worry, and a time in which the support of friends, neighbours and community services will be vital. 

We recognise that neighbours, friends, local faith groups and local community groups are often best placed to provide support. You know your community and those within it who may need some help or just some friendly contact while they stay within their homes.

We are fortunate within the City of London to have a range of such groups and networks - often very localised to estates or blocks. Rather than look to encourage or develop new groups to respond to coronavirus, we are encouraging those that are already organised by local communities for local communities. 

This help will be a vital strength for our community, providing trusted and known support. It will help safeguard our most vulnerable friends and neighbours from isolation, and from those who may exploit this situation for the wrong reasons. 

So please take forward the response that so many of you have offered. But in doing so remember that we all must 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. 

Thank you and best wishes,

Regards

Andrew

Andrew Carter

Chief Officer/Director

Community & Children’s Services

Department of Community & Children’s Services | ( 020 7332 1650 |

* andrew.carter@cityoflondon.gov.uk |  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk