Hello, how are you this week? đÂ
If not great, that's totally understandable, this is a global crisis and it is ok to feel sadness and grief, be anxious, overwhelmed and not be able to function as well as you hoped. Nobody is having a positive time here .. just surviving is good enough. đđ
Below is your weekly dose of news, advice and activities from us at the Hackney Green Party to help you look after yourself and others if you can.
More next week.
đ Hackney Green Party
http://www.hackneygreens.org.uk/
Campaign: Act Now to Save Ridley Road
Ridley Road could change forever â the market, shopping village and artist studios are all under threat and we need to act now to save them.
Hackney Council have promised to protect Ridley Road but act to the contrary.
The Council recently implemented draconian new trading conditions and fee hikes for market traders following a tick box consultation with the results imposed by officers using delegated powers to side-step elected representatives.
The Council will soon consider a planning application which proposes to clear the indoor market and artistâs studios to make way for unaffordable high-end apartments, office space and retail units that will divide the street, destroying its unique character and result in:
- Loss of affordable space for 60 artists and designers; this will not be replaced
- Displaced black and minority ethnic businesses which are providing an essential service to Hackney residents
- Loss of valuable storage space for traders
- Unaffordable apartments and no social housing
- Carbon intensive development ignoring alternatives which are better for the environment and serve real community interests.
It was reported by the Hackney Gazette that the decision making meeting was going to be held recently, online and with no prior warning to those who have objected â the Save Ridley Road Campaign are calling to know when the meeting is and how it will operate to allow traders, studio artists and supporters of the market to participate.
- OBJECT! It isnât too late to send an objection to the council; every objection counts. Visit this page for details of how to respond
- Follow the campaign on twitter @SaveRidleyRoad and look out for further action we will be taking over the next few weeks
- Continue to support the market â the food stall remain in operation and social distancing measures are in place
- Watch and share these wonderful videos of Tamara and Andrew, Ridley Road artists, talking about their work and the importance of the studios
- Share all of the above with your networks and mobilise more people in to action!
Covid-19 makes it impossible to stage a traditional public demonstration, if you have any ideas about how we are raise more awareness please email ZoĂŤ ([email protected]) know.
Reading Room
Life Under Lockdown
The British state has claimed massive powers to limit individual freedoms, which could threaten those bonds of social solidarity. This document explains what powers they do have and those that they don't.
https://onepumpcourt.co.uk/news/covid-19-legal-mythbuster/
The people left with nothing because of the lockdown âI canât afford to stay off work for 12 weeks. I donât know what Iâm going to do,â says pregnant care worker
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/coronavirus-care-worker-no-recourse-public-funds-nrpf-home-office-a9446211.html
Corner shops describe life under lockdown as they stay open for their community
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/22/corner-shops-describe-life-under-lockdown-as-they-stay-open-for-their-community
Milk thrown down the drain while millions go hungry: Lockdown puts increasing strain on Britainâs food system
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/coronavirus-lockdown-uk-food-supplies-strain-supermarkets-a9469476.html
Air pollution may be âkey contributorâ to Covid-19 deaths â study
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/20/air-pollution-may-be-key-contributor-to-covid-19-deaths-study
How a 5G coronavirus conspiracy spread across Europe
https://www.ft.com/content/1eeedb71-d9dc-4b13-9b45-fcb7898ae9e1
Small businesses across the UK have been âabandonedâ by their insurers amid the coronavirus outbreak, with owners left facing an uncertain future.
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/business-interruption-insurance-small-businesses-uk-coronavirus_uk_5e9992c1c5b62f4a2df54ded
Coronavirus: Working-class children less likely to take part in lockdown school lessons
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-how-lockdown-is-affecting-learning-for-working-class-pupils-11975696
Criticisms of the Government Response
The Guardian view on creatives in purdah: don't leave culture to Netflix
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/22/the-guardian-view-on-creatives-in-purdah-dont-leave-culture-to-netflix
The Observer view on the coronavirus errors that have cost precious lives
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/19/the-observer-view-on-the-coronavirus-errors-that-have-cost-precious-lives
As the warnings grew louder, Boris Johnsonâs government was distracted by Brexit. On testing, contact tracing and equipment supply, there was a failure to prepare
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/18/how-did-britain-get-its-response-to-coronavirus-so-wrong
The eleven days that may have tragically cost the UK in the fight against coronavirus
https://www.newstatesman.com/2020/04/eleven-days-may-have-tragically-cost-uk-fight-against-coronavirus
UKâs coronavirus science advice wonât be published until pandemic ends
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2241082-uks-coronavirus-science-advice-wont-be-published-until-pandemic-ends/#ixzz6KVeYev1r
In a speech earlier this year, Boris Johnson argues the UK could make a profit by avoiding lockdown.
https://twitter.com/PoliticsJOE_UK/status/1251458390028664832
Detailed analysis of the coronavirus job retention scheme
https://twitter.com/JolyonMaugham/status/1251077672471494656
Supplying the NHS
Helpful Engineering UK is a new volunteer group set up to design, produce and distribute visors to frontline NHS staff.
https://www.helpfulengineering.uk/
Revealed: Private firm running UK PPE stockpile was sold in middle of pandemic
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/22/revealed-private-firm-running-uk-ppe-stockpile-was-sold-in-middle-of-pandemic
'Less than 10th' of PPE order arrives in UK, despite downpayment
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/23/less-than-10th-of-ppe-order-arrives-in-uk-despite-downpayment
Legal challenge against the UK governmentâs guidance about personal protective equipment in hospitals
https://www.bindmans.com/news/legal-challenge-against-the-uk-governments-guidance-about-personal-protective-equipment-in-hospitals
As Burberry makes PPE for nurses and doctors, Brexiteer hedge funder shorts its stock
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/dark-money-investigations/burberry-makes-ppe-nurses-and-doctors-brexiteer-hedge-funder-shorts-its-stock/
Muddled thinking punctures plan for British ventilator: Non-specialist manufacturers sent off to design new products that clinicians and regulators say were unsuitable for Covid patients
https://www.ft.com/content/5f393d77-8e5b-4a85-b647-416efbc575ec
Coronavirus: UK only formally asked Turkey for PPE shipment help on Sunday - after telling Britons it was on its way
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-uk-only-formally-asked-turkey-for-ppe-shipment-after-it-said-it-was-already-on-its-way-11976238
UK government faces mounting criticism over protection clothing shortages
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-britain/uk-government-faces-mounting-criticism-over-protection-clothing-shortages-idUKKBN2200DT
Scrubs for the NHS
https://www.gofundme.com/f/9vtg9x-scrubs-for-the-nhs
https://www.gofundme.com/f/75cgu3-scrubs-for-nhs-staff-in-the-frontline
https://scrubhub.org.uk/
Housing
Samir Jeraj: Homelessness charities say âhigh volumeâ of LGBT youth at risk during pandemic
https://www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/coronavirus/2020/04/homelessness-charities-say-high-volume-lgbt-youth-risk-during-pandemic
Tyrone Scott: Weâre in a crisis â we need housing justice for all
http://bright-green.org/2020/04/22/were-in-a-crisis-we-need-housing-justice-for-all/
Tenants told to use lunch and holiday savings to pay full rent
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/apr/21/tenants-told-to-use-lunch-and-holiday-savings-to-pay-full-rent
Immigration, Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Refugee Action: Be a Humanity Hero from the comfort of your own home and take on The 2.6 Challenge on Sunday 26th April to help save the UKâs charities. The covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on charities, with the cancellation of events meaning billions of pounds of fundraised income has been lost.
https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/be-a-humanity-hero-join-the-2-6-challenge/
Four brilliant speakers on how coronavirus has impacted migrants, and where next for the battle for migrant justice. Followed by a Q&A.
https://twitter.com/NEON_UK/status/1252244718081228800
Children being denied cancer treatment due to their immigration status, doctors warn
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/children-cancer-doctors-nhs-charging-home-office-a9478871.html
As Brexit nears, EU workers fortify UK's coronavirus front lines, thousands of EU migrants work as doctors, nurses, carers, cleaners and porters as the UK fights gravest threat in years.
https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/indepth/features/brexit-nears-eu-workers-fortify-uk-coronavirus-front-lines-200417090617828.html
Hundreds of asylum seekers have to travel to London to submit claims during pandemic or face destitution
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/coronavirus-asylum-seekers-london-home-office-pandemic-a9467326.html
Help Refugees: We know that this is an insecure time for many, but if you are able, please give what you can to support refugees facing the pandemic today.
https://donate.helprefugees.org/campaigns/coronavirus-appeal/
Alternative Responses
Argentina Is Showing the World What a Humane Covid-19 Response Looks Like
https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/coronavirus-argentina-humane-response-to-covid-19-look-like/
Denmark and Poland are refusing to bail out companies registered in offshore tax havens
https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-companies-tax-havens-banned-denmark-poland-bailout-2020-4?r=US&IR=T
Test, trace, contain: how South Korea flattened its coronavirus curve
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/23/test-trace-contain-how-south-korea-flattened-its-coronavirus-curve
Anger in Sweden as elderly pay price for coronavirus strategy
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/19/anger-in-sweden-as-elderly-pay-price-for-coronavirus-strategy
Fifty thousand americans dead from the coronavirus, and a president who refuses to mourn them
https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-trumps-washington/fifty-thousand-americans-dead-in-the-coronavirus-pandemic-and-a-president-who-refuses-to-mourn-them
Test and trace: lessons from Hong Kong on avoiding a coronavirus lockdown
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/test-trace-lessons-hong-kong-avoiding-coronavirus-lockdown
Coronavirus: Outcry after Trump suggests injecting disinfectant as treatment
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52407177
Green Party Comment
Stop In With Sian - Episode 3 - how lockdown is hurting LGBTQIA+ people:Â This week's show features Benali Hamdache, co-chair of LGBTQIA+ Greens, talking with Sian about the urgent need for online and practical support for LGBTIQA+ young people during lockdown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pq1rOQh-Ak
Siân Berry: London's renters face a summer of misery â poverty and homelessness await
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/coronavirus-uk-renters-rent-evictions-homeless-landlord-poverty-a9477936.html
Green New Deal can deliver coronavirus recovery
https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4014238/green-party-green-deal-deliver-coronavirus-recovery
Green councillors demand emergency funding to tackle coronavirus crisis
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2020/04/17/greens-from-across-120-councils-demand-urgent-funding-for-local-authorities-to-tackle-the-coronavirus-crisis/
Natalie Bennett: Why should taxpayers bailout tax dodgers?
https://leftfootforward.org/2020/04/natalie-bennett-why-should-taxpayers-bailout-tax-dodgers/
Changing What is Normal
Arundhati Roy: The Pandemic Is a Portal, We can choose to walk through it, dragging the carcasses of our prejudice and hatred, our avarice, our data banks and dead ideas, our dead rivers and smoky skies behind us. Or we can walk through lightly, with little luggage, ready to imagine another world. And ready to fight for it.
https://www.haymarketbooks.org/blogs/130-arundhati-roy-the-pandemic-is-a-portal
Coronavirus: How the pandemic is reshaping green activism
Alastair Binnie- Lubbock, speaking on behalf of Hackney Green Party, told the Citizen: âThe deaths, displacement and food insecurity from climate breakdown and the rise of far-right governments threaten to dwarf the impact of Covid-19 and so we are organising now to ensure we change course.â
https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2020/04/22/coronavirus-how-pandemic-reshaping-green-activism-hackney/
Paris To Create 650 Kilometers Of Post-Lockdown Cycleways
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2020/04/22/paris-to-create-650-kilometers-of-pop-up-corona-cycleways-for-post-lockdown-travel/#1ba08c2d54d4
Game-changers and change-makers: 25 ideas for a greener future
https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/environment-and-conservation/2020/04/game-changers-and-change-makers-25-ideas-for-a-greener-future
After the crisis, a new world wonât emerge as if by magic. We will have to fight for it
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/19/after-the-crisis-a-new-world-wont-emerge-as-if-by-magic-we-will-have-to-fight-for-it?
We must pressure our leaders to take the long view in any coronavirus economic recovery package, even if this feels like a short-term emergency.
https://thecorrespondent.com/385/we-arent-just-stopping-coronavirus-were-building-a-new-world/50968856015-625b9768
The need for physical distancing means that space in our towns and cities must be shared in new ways
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/21/the-guardian-view-on-covid-19-and-transport-walk-to-the-future
From Deansgate to Piccadilly Gardens - some of Manchester's busiest roads could be closed to motorists for good after lockdown is lifted
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/deansgate-piccadilly-gardens-manchesters-busiest-18109510.amp
The British food system, as well as individualsâ diets, needs to be balanced. Price is not the only factor
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/17/the-guardian-view-on-the-future-of-farming-lets-think-about-food
Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta join call by 13 other nations to put the European Green Deal at the heart of the economic response to Covid-19
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2020/04/20/four-eu-nations-back-green-post-coronavirus-recovery/
Other News
How Facebook Works for Trump: Donald Trump won the presidency by using the social networkâs advertising machinery in exactly the way the company wanted. Heâs poised to do it again.
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2020/04/how-facebooks-ad-technology-helps-trump-win/606403/
Banned from Facebook and Twitter, UK far right turns to TikTok
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/banned-facebook-twitter-uk-turns-tiktok-200416102704155.html
Popular plastic straw ban delayed:Â Throwaway plastic items were due to be banned from April after a consultation revealed "overwhelming" public support.
https://theecologist.org/2020/apr/16/popular-plastic-straw-ban-delayed
Woodberry Down locals fight to save Happy Man Tree from destruction by developers
https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2020/04/20/woodberry-down-locals-fight-save-happy-man-tree-destruction-developers/
Donations and Help Wanted
Hackney Food Bank are looking for donations and volunteers STILL URGENT
https://hackney.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/
Hackney Giving coronavirus response fund: we are appealing for funding so that we can support grassroots community organisations affected by the coronavirus crisis with a rapid response programme
http://hackneygiving.org.uk/about-us/coronavirus-response-fund/coronavirus-response-fund/
North London Action for the Homeless:Â Covid-19 Emergency Fund
During this crisis, we are operating a take-away service, as well as offering deliveries and regular phone calls to homeless people, people on the margins or without support network.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/nlahcovid19
Please make a donation to the Homerton Hope Charity at Homerton HospitalÂ
https://www.homerton.nhs.uk/homerton-hope
Support Hackney Pupils to access learning:Â Around 400 laptops are urgently needed for pupils from three primary schools who do not have access to technology at home.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-hackney-pupils-to-access-learning
Streets Kitchen is a UK & Ireland grassroots group working to help the homeless community, providing daily outreaches with food, clothing and information that benefits our streets. We work in partnership with others across the UK and beyond.
https://www.streetskitchen.org/
The Access to Justice Foundation, the London Legal Support Trust and its partners across the funding community have come together to fundraise for an emergency appeal that will support a national advice fund that will be available to all free legal services.
https://atjf.org.uk/emergencyappeal
Activities for Isolation
Wolfgang Tillmans, Vivienne Westwood, Peter Kennard, and more contribute to Dazedâs art project that will raise funds for NHS trust Barts Charity
https://www.dazeddigital.com/art-photography/article/48811/1/vivienne-westwood-wolfgang-tillmans-poster-art-coronavirus-nhs
Singing With Nightingales - Earth Day 2020Â will take you on a journey into the woods of Sussex to hear the unforgettable song of the nightingale.Â
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr3CVt5paTM&feature=youtu.be
https://thenestcollective.co.uk/includes/singing-with-nightingales/
Free National Theatre at home, including Anthony and Cleopatra
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/nt-at-home
Who Will Call Me Beloved: Writer Tania Hershman on the word âbelovedâ and commemorating single people when they die.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/favourites/m000b4r1
Artist Kate Tempest hosts a night of poetry that includes her epic new story Let Them Eat Chaos and performances from three of her friends
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07yc9ms/performance-live-kate-tempest
London spoken word night Rhymes with Orange presents Nightmares Featuring Rhymes regulars Jenny Foulds, Rachel Malham, Colin Nelson, Rita Suszek, Athos Athanasiou and Laura Rae.
https://www.facebook.com/rhymeswithorangespokenword/posts/2912050655539449
The Anthropocene Project combines art, film, virtual reality, augmented reality, and scientific research, the project investigates human influence on the state, dynamic and future of the Earth.
https://theanthropocene.org/
Carol Ann Duffy and the Manchester Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University have brought together poets from around the world to write new poems about the recent days past and the weeks ahead.
https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/write/
The Secret Life of Books: Confessions of an English Opium Eater
John Cooper Clarke explores Thomas de Quincey's Confessions of an English Opium Eater, and discovers how this addiction memoir avoids the cliches of modern 'misery-lit'.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06n9khy/the-secret-life-of-books-series-2-4-confessions-of-an-english-opium-eater
Filmed before the coronavirus crisis, Rhod Gilbert takes on one of his toughest challenges yet - being a carer. Even in more ordinary times, the work of carers is so valuable, if not always valued.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000hqvk/rhod-gilberts-work-experience-series-9-1-care-worker
Online Yoga Classes
https://tam-tamyoga.com/online-classes/
Explore Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in this free virtual conference. There is no requirement for any previous knowledge about AI nor do you need to have a technical background.
https://www.bigmarker.com/ibm-developer-uki/Understanding-AI
New Yorker Fiction Podcast
https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/fiction
s and Spokescats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqZRSHkbJKQ
Creation Theatre:Â Live Zoom call of The Tempest
https://www.creationtheatre.co.uk/book-shows/
Soho Theatre On Demand:Â New theatre, comedy and cabaret
https://ondemand.sohotheatre.com/
This gripping dramatisation of a 1612 rape trial brought by the gifted painter Artemisia Gentileschi roars down the ages centuries after it shocked Renaissance Rome.
https://www.newdiorama.com/whats-on/its-true-its-true-its-true
Poet Luke Wright is doing readings every evening on twitter
https://twitter.com/lukewrightpoet
Free downloads in support of the Trussell Trust.
https://www.gofasterstripe.com/cgi-bin/website.cgi
Shakespeare's Globe Player
https://globeplayer.tv/
NHSÂ Fitness Studio exercise videos
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio/
NHS Pilates
https://www.nhs.uk/Video/Pages/pilates.aspx
Extinction Rebellion: Reset TVÂ is a large and comprehensive programme of online workshops and more, using the video conferencing service Zoom
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q6DGUxHCTvjKRRmqCUDtCDGU-UY1Z_S5O51hSf9ystM/edit
Supporting Local Business
No need to wait for a delivery slot from big supermarkets, we have lots of dedicated independent suppliers here in Hackney
Ridley Road market is open for food and essential items, this Twitter account has updates and photos of what is on offer
https://twitter.com/RidleyUpdates
Central Dairies - Local Milkmen
https://www.facebook.com/groups/280285692955390/permalink/304596673857625/
Dishpatch:Â Great independents, delivering food & drink
https://dishpatch.co.uk/
Useful document listing Food Delivery services available in Hackney
https://docs.google.com/
Nourished Communities: We bring the finest quality seasonal home-grown produce & products from the English countryside straight to your door.
https://www.nourishedcommunities.com/
My Virtual Neighbourhood was born of a desire to keep small businesses going throughout the Coronavirus outbreak.
https://www.myvirtualneighbourhood.com/
Plant Pack:Â Our Plant Packs rescue quality plants destined to be scrapped during lockdown.Â
https://getplantpack.co/
Word Up! Support independent bookshops by placing orders via phone, email and online
https://wordup.top/
COVID-19: A comprehensive directory of London food+drinks businesses offering delivery and takeaway during lockdown
https://myhungryvalentine.com/
Serendipity Botanist - Hackney Wick
https://serendipitybotanist.bigcartel.com/product/fruit-veg
Jaguarshoes Collective â Foodbox delivery in East London
https://jaguarshoescollective.bigcartel.com/
Stoke Newington business (including non-food)
https://www.myvirtualneighbourhood.com/stoke-newington
Spitalfields Shops Open for Business
https://spitalfieldslife.com/2020/04/08/list-of-local-shops-open-for-business-a/
Organic and sustainable groceries at wholesale prices
https://www.goodclub.co.uk/
Five Points Ale
https://shop.fivepointsbrewing.co.uk/
London Fields Brewery
https://www.londonfieldsbrewery.co.uk/
Tower Green Hamlets Veg Boxes: Affordable, local and seasonal fruit and vegetables
https://towergreenhamlets.com/
List your business in Forever Local from iZettle
https://foreverlocal.izettle.com/gb
Hackney shops supporting communities in the Corona crisis Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/496629754553992/?hc_location=group
Pages of Hackney offering free delivery on books by bike
https://pagesofhackney.co.uk/news/deliveries-update
Stokey Bookshop are similarly offering books and jigsaws
https://twitter.com/StokeyBookshop/status/1239263358873997314
6 ways you can support your Deliveroo driver
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157974985764454&set=gm.282869066030386&type=3&theater
Local SupportÂ
If you want to connect and get involved in your local community the Hackney Covid 19 Mutual Aid Facebook group is a great resource for sharing information that people in Hackney would find useful when supporting each other in our local areas.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/280285692955390/
It also lists WhatsApp groups you can join for each local ward, some of these also have sub groups at individual street levels. Join your local group to get more details.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/280285692955390/permalink/280307612953198/
If you are worried about elderly relatives in other parts of the country, especially those who are not computer literate, it can be helpful to put them in touch with their local group.
A full list of Mutual Aid groups are here
https://covidmutualaid.org/local-groups/
Alternatively a Facebook search will usually bring up a community group in their area and you can ask them to get in contact.
NHS Nightingale Hospital Volunteers
The NHS will be opening a 4000 bed hospital at the ExCel Centre in London for COVID-19 patients and two further NHS Nightingale Hospital's in Birmingham and Manchester.
Generation Medics are working with the NHS to make a list of people who would be willing to volunteer to work in non-clinical roles at the hospitals.
https://nhsvolunteers.generationmedics.org.uk/volunteer-now/
Hackney Council Volunteer Hub
Hackney Council has launched a volunteering hub to help coordinate the various local efforts that have sprung up in response to the coronavirus crisis.
https://volunteering.hackney.gov.uk/
Hackney Council Community Support
Use this form to tell us that you or someone you know needs help.
https://community.hackney.gov.uk/
Other Groups
Akwaaba:Â Here is our COVID-19 response local services flyer which we distributed last Sunday to members.
https://twitter.com/AkwaabaHackney/status/1250708025486331904
Dalston Subgroup
https://www.facebook.com/groups/280285692955390/permalink/291704545146838/
LGBTIQ+ group for those at risk or able to support others
https://www.facebook.com/groups/646616226125829/?hc_location=ufi
London COVID-19 Mutual Aid Migrant & Asylum Seeker Support
https://www.facebook.com/groups/193855082039231/
Local group for supporting those with dogs in isolation
https://www.facebook.com/groups/280285692955390/permalink/282955626021730/
Blackstone Estate Mutual Support Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3014714241912618/
Advice Pages
WHO Myth Busters
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
Hackney Council Support Pages
https://hackney.gov.uk/coronavirus-support
A Handy List of Reputable Coronavirus Information and how to spot disinformation online
https://medium.com/@melissaryan/a-handy-list-of-reputable-coronavirus-information-78b9aa153928
Modelling and computational data
https://www.wolfram.com/covid-19-resources/
Advice for pet owners and livestock keepers on maintaining the welfare of their animals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals
Public Law Project:Â COVID-19 and Universal Credit Advice
https://claimantcommitments.org.uk/covid-19/
Guidance for current students
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-for-current-students
Government Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp
https://twitter.com/DHSCgovuk/status/1242813027189239811?s=19
Hackney Resources Gallery, listing
https://airtable.com/shrDtrVJmWmRcgkgE/tblQyv9WahSteQAHs?blocks=hide
There With You: Essential list of groups, networks and organisations during the coronavirus outbreak
https://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/health/there-with-you-essential-list-of-groups-networks-and-organisations-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak-1-6576398
Subscribe to Hackney Council Coronavirus Newsletter for local updates
https://hackney.gov.uk/coronavirus
Rent Advice
London Renters Union - Is the Coronavirus crisis making you worried about how youâll pay rent? Youâre not alone. Help and Advice
https://londonrentersunion.org/c19rentcrisis/
Government support available for landlords and renters reflecting the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-support-available-for-landlords-and-renters-reflecting-the-current-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
Rent Strike London
https://twitter.com/RentStrikeLDN/status/1243621229539532800?s=19
Advice for Small businesses and Self Employed
Coronavirus financial support for businesses: a complete guide
https://www.freeagent.com/blog/claiming-financial-support-coronavirus/
Hackney Council Hot Meals Grant 2020- Application Form
This hot meals grant application invites existing charities, non-profit organisations and social enterprise providers that are already delivering hot food to express interest in financial support from Hackney Council to scale up the existing production and delivery of meals provided to vulnerable residents.
Click here to access application form
Hackney Council: Business Rates Advice
https://hackney.gov.uk/businessrates
Federation of Small Businesses - Advice Pages
https://www.fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19.html
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) - Advice Pages
https://www.acs.org.uk/advice/covid-19-coronavirus
COVID-19: support for businesses
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
HM Treasury: How to access government financial support if you or your business has been affected by COVID-19
Covid-19_fact_sheet_18_March.pdf
Closing certain businesses and venues
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance
Hackney Business Network: Latest information, guidance and support for businesses
http://investinhackney.org/coronavirus
Coronavirus emergency grants digest, a useful list of emergency grants for businesses and charities that you might want to apply to and links to funders' websites
https://www.voscur.org/insight/news/coronavirus-emergency-grants-digest-updated-090420
Employment
What are my employment rights?
https://eachother.org.uk/coronavirus-what-are-my-employment-rights/
Need an isolation note for your employer? Get one here
https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
Support and Information for Artists
Information and guidance for artists and arts organisers
https://www.a-n.co.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-guidance-for-artists-and-arts-organisers/
Support letter from Hackney Mayor
https://news.hackney.gov.uk/message-from-the-mayor-of-hackney-how-were-supporting-our-cultural-sector/
Funding sites for artist and designers
https://parallaxaf.co//helpandhope.html
Arts Council:Â Financial support for artists, creative practitioners and freelancers
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/financial-support-artists-creative-practitioners-and-freelancers
Arts Council:Â Financial support for organisations outside of the National Portfolio
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/financial-support-organisations-outside-national-portfolio
Arts Council: Support for individuals from Government and other sources
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid-19/covid-19-support-individuals-government-and-other-sources
Arts Council Digital Culture Network :Â Offering advice, guidance and support in handling your digital endeavours during the coronavirus outbreak and beyond.
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/developing-digital-culture/digital-culture-network
Arts Marketing Association Help and Advice
https://www.a-m-a.co.uk/covid-19-resources/
Join the Voluntary Arts #creativenetwork
https://www.voluntaryarts.org/creativenetwork
Arts Fundraising: Power Hour Every Day
https://twitter.com/artsfundraising/status/1240216422074253312
Organisations Offering Support
Age UK East London
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/eastlondon/
0800 169 6565Â
Charity helping older people
They have published a useful help pack here
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bp-assets/globalassets/east-london/coronavirus-help-pack.pdf
Citizens Advice
http://www.eastendcab.org.uk/hackney/
Please note face to face services have been suspended
Adviceline: 0203 855 4472 or Text on 07860041446
(Monday to Friday between 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-16.00)
Email [email protected]
Toynbee Hall Free Legal Advice Centre
https://www.toynbeehall.org.uk/
Call: 020 7392 2953
Email: [email protected]
Free legal advice including employment and debt counselling
Hackney Community Law Centre
https://hclc.org.uk/
Helplines weekdays 11am to 1pm
Employment, Housing, Asylum & Immigration, Welfare Benefits
StepChange
https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/debt-and-coronavirus.aspx
Online debt advice
National Debtline
https://www.nationaldebtline.org/
https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/coronavirus-advice-and-support/help-and-advice.aspx
Advice line, web chat and online tools for debt advice
Shelter
https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/coronavirus
Housing advice
Praxis
https://www.praxis.org.uk/
Provide free immigration advice over the phone on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm and additionally on Thursday mornings from 10am to 12.30pm. Call 020 7749 7608 or 020 7749 7605.
Hackney Migrant Centre
https://hackneymigrantcentre.org.uk/drop-in/
We will run a remote immigration and housing advice service for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis. This service will be run by phone. Call 07961 014182 on Mondays, between 10am â 1pm. During the call we will book an appointment for an assessment later that week.
A full range of services can be found here
https://hackney.gov.uk/find-support-services
Self Care and Mental Health
You need to be aware of your mental health during this period, be kind to yourself, try not to constantly consume the news and remember others are probably feeling the same way as you - reach out as much as you can.
Thrive LDN is a citywide movement to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all Londoners.Â
https://thriveldn.co.uk/
Coronavirus and your wellbeing
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
NHS:Â Every Mind Matters
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
If you have an eating disorder, the coronavirus outbreak might be causing additional stress. You're not alone â the charity Beat has seen a 30% increase in demand for its services in recent weeks and is providing invaluable support.
https://www.good-thinking.uk/coronavirus/how-to/manage-eating-disorders/
Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19
Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young peopleâs mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-parents-and-carers-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
WHO: Mental health and psychological resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic
http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/news/news/2020/3/mental-health-and-psychological-resilience-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
Support for adults in crisis including Domestic Abuse
https://www.hestia.org/
Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help
Samaritans:Â What to do if you think someone you know isn't okay.
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/support-and-information/worried-about-someone-else/
Samaritans:Â Information on what to do if you're feeling low or struggling to cope.
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/support-and-information/if-youre-having-difficult-time/signs-you-may-be-struggling-cope/practical-ways-help-yourself-cope/
Remember, if you're struggling to cope and you feel like there's nowhere to turn, the Samaritans are always available to listen round the clock.
Call 116 123 or email (response time 24hr)Â [email protected]
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
For those struggling to work at home, don't beat yourself up, you are not working from home; you are at your home during a crisis trying to work.
And finally..
Hackney Green Party members are hard at work all year round - campaigning on local issues, sweating over press releases, delivering leaflets and canvassing for support in forthcoming elections.
We would love for you to help us make a difference either by coming to one of the events above or by simply donating here.
https://www.hackneygreens.org.uk/donate
If you have any feedback on this newsletter or suggestions for items to include next week then email Graham Woodruff at [email protected]Â
Deadline for content for the Friday email is Thursday 1pm, only Hackney Green Party items will definitely be listed, others may be if they fit our values and there is enough time and space to add them.
Trying to remember that link? Past issues can be found here
https://www.hackneygreens.org.uk/greenvine_archive
Not a member?
We are proud to do politics differently but we need determined, caring people like you to help us make it happen. Join the thousands of people who are already members and stand up for what matters.