https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=100117958297737&id=100115751631291PLEASE NOTE: Covid Mutual Aid is run entirely by volunteers and not medical professionals. We’re all community members and groups wanting to support the most vulnerable with errands, information distribution and emotional comfort. For up to date medical advice you should continue to check the news and NHS website for further announcements.
PRIORITISE SAFETY: Community care is about preventing the spread of Covid-19 and providing support for the most vulnerable. Please only offer physical support if you are well enough to do so. Those who are self isolating can get involved in online or phone based organising.
What is Covid Mutual Aid UK?
Covid Mutual Aid UK is a group of volunteers supporting local community groups organising mutual aid throughout the covid-19 outbreak in the UK. We are mainly focussed on providing resources (like this guide) and connecting people to their local groups, willing volunteers and those in need.
We recognise that injustice doesn’t affect everyone equally and whilst we’re all at risk of covid-19, there are some people who are more vulnerable and need greater support from the community. These include people more physically vulnerable.
The basic idea is to coordinate care efforts for people who are self isolating, especially if they are part of a more at risk demographic including the eledery, disabled and people with other pre existing health issues.
We’re also trying to offer support to those people who are feeling most isolated/anxious throughout the pandemic. For people with mental health conditions this scale of panic can be overwhelming and so community support is vital.
nerable from the virus such as the elderly, those with pre-existing health issues and those without stable housing as well as those more emotionally vulnerable such as people self isolating without support and those with pre existing anxieties or mental health conditions.
We’re a new group who have set up over the past few days. As such we’re still working out how to most effectively organise together and make our information accessible. Please be patient with us and if you’d like to support the coordination then get in touch - we’d love to have you.
What is a Covid Mutual Aid Local Group?
Covid-19 Mutual Aid Local Groups are setting up independently in communities to support vulnerable people in their local area through the outbreak.
Groups are not being set up in a uniform way and each community is advised to do what is best for them.
You can volunteer in a group whether you are fit and able to run errands or self isolating. A lot of coordination is being done through Facebook and WhatsApp group so if you’re self isolating but feeling well enough to support, you can help with coordination of your local group whilst other people are out doing the physical activities.
What does a Covid Mutual Aid Local Group/Volunteer do?
Groups are all autonomous and organising a broad range of activities, but most groups are currently organising activities including:
Setting up WhatsApp groups for local volunteers to join
Setting up Facebook pages for local volunteers to join
Creating leaflets and flyering to let people know about the group. There is a template leaflet here. (if you are going to flyer, please make sure you’re considering hygiene. Avoid door knocking/unnecessary face to face interactions).
Providing a number for local vulnerable people to call if they need support.
Running errands/shopping for vulnerable people/self isolating people
Providing a friendly ear and some emotional support to community members who are self isolating or finding the pandemic overwhelming.
Disclaimer: I have set up the page to facilitate people being kind to one another and I am not responsible for unkind people. I am not saying any service advertised on this page is anything other than advertised. Please do your own research and be kind to all.
