New local initiative to help disadvantaged and elderly (Battersea-March 24, 2020)
A valuable new service called ‘Battersea Corona Virus Angels’ has been launched today by three prominent local institutions in Battersea. Staffed by volunteers, the service aims to help vulnerable, self-isolating and elderly people in Battersea and the wider Wandsworth area cope with the restrictions and hardships imposed by the Corona (COVID-19) Virus.
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Katherine Low Settlement (KLS), the long-established and well-respected community services charity based in Battersea, is actively supporting the idea developed by two leading churches in the area, St Mary’s Church of England and Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church. The initiative has additional help from the Battersea Society and Battersea United Charities.
Aaron Barbour, Director of KLS, says: “Battersea Corona Virus Angels is a very important local response to a worrisome emergency threatening so many disadvantaged and elderly people in our community. KLS is proud to be part of this local response. We are contributing our resources, ensuring something good comes out of this emergency, both now and after. We hope it will be a community benefit that can also be sustained once the crisis is over.”
The service will put people who are self-isolating, vulnerable or elderly in touch with volunteers who can help them in practical ways over the coming weeks and months of the emergency. Besides 10,000 leaflets being distributed throughout Battersea, an enquirer may simply call a mobile phone number – 07394 856 557 – or email – [email protected] – and a trusted volunteer will be assigned to help.
Assistance on offer includes shopping, dog walking, collecting medical prescriptions, receiving a friendship call, and other tasks made hard to do by those confined or restricted as a result of the Corona Virus crisis.
Anyone able to act as a volunteer is invited to contact Battersea Corona Virus Angels using the telephone or email shown above, or through the contacts listed below.
About Katherine Low Settlement
Katherine Low Settlement (KLS) is a much-loved and busy charity that has been at the heart of the community in Battersea, South West London, since 1924.
With a few staff and a lot of volunteers, KLS runs a range of its own popular community projects. The charity supports children, young people and their families, older people and refugees and newly arrived communities.
The KLS building in Battersea High Street is used for community activities and events, usually and until COVID-19, by over 500 people a week, and its rooms are available for hire at affordable rates. KLS is grateful for the funding received from supporters, trusts and foundations to enable the charity to continue to reduce poverty and isolation and bring Battersea together.
Press contacts
Aaron Barbour
Director
Katherine Low Settlement
Telephone: 020 7223 2845.
Email: [email protected]
Mark Mitchell
Email: [email protected]
Mobile phone: 07973 539 738 (not for publishing)