Residents Newsletter by Femi
Dear Residents, For young people like myself, staying indoors and limiting the amount of time we spend outside feels very different to our normal lives. Having to adjust to new rules means that we’ve had to think creatively about the ways we can keep ourselves occupied. Aside from keeping up with school, I wanted to share some resources that I have found helpful:
Youth First – activities and support
Lewisham Youth Theatre – take part in live streamed performances
Kooth – Free, safe and anonymous support for young people
Spending more time indoors has made me value and appreciate all of the fantastic services that are available to young people in Lewisham. In these trying times it’s important for all of us to acknowledge and appreciate the many good things around us. I’ll be joining in the #clapforourcarers to show my appreciation to all the NHS workers, social care teams, unpaid carers and all those working in care homes across our borough in these distressing times. Femi Komolafe, Young Mayor of Lewisham
Keeping our parks open for everyone We’re lucky to have so much green open space in our borough and for many people who don’t have access to a garden these spaces are a lifeline for daily exercise. Despite the warm weather, the rules around social distancing remain to help stop the spread of the virus. Stay home, save lives. Stay local for your daily exercise and make use of a garden if you have one. If you choose to visit a park to walk, cycle or run, please observe social distancing rules so our parks can stay open. • Stay as local as po
ssible • Keep at least two metres apart • Don’t gather in groups • No picnics or sunbathing. Our parks staff are working hard to keep everyone safe. Please give them the respect they deserve. Helping the community
Across Lewisham, people are working together to protect those most in need. Working jointly with our voluntary sector partners, we have had 1,740 volunteers come forward, over 2,000 requests for help and almost 1,400 food deliveries to help protect the most vulnerable in our community. If you or somebody you know needs help please call 0208 314 3535 or email incident@lewisham.gov.uk
If you need support, our incident line will be open on Friday 10 April and Monday 13 April from 10am to 4pm.
Can you help? Are you able to help Lewisham residents affected by the coronavirus in our community, or vulnerable people needing support while they stay in their home? There are many ways you - or your local group - can get involved. We are working with Lewisham Local to co-ordinate everyone's efforts. Supporting Lewisham businesses We have been in touch with 4,200 Lewisham businesses eligible for grant funding, including retail, hospitality and leisure
businesses. Our business support website provides the latest information for businesses to apply for grants easily and quickly. Eligible businesses across Lewisham can expect grant funding to reach bank accounts within 3-5 days from the point the information we need is received from them. Any Lewisham business can contact our Economy & Partnerships team directly for advice on economyandpartnerships@lewisham.gov.uk