There are many ways to help other people:
- Phone someone who might be lonely or need cheering up.
- Find out how your neighbours are – wash your hands then pop a note through their door with your number. They might be self-isolating and really appreciate knowing that someone cares. You can use the template below.
- If you’re symptom-free and going to the shop anyway, is there someone on your street that is isolating and needs some milk or supplies? Even just the offer can help people feel a bit better.
- Could you set a up a WhatsApp Group or Facebook group for your street? Very small groups, such as by street or apartment block, are a sensible way to arrange mutual support. There is some information here from COVID-19 Mutual Aid about setting one up.
- If you’re fit and well and want to help others accross Knowle West you can sign up to the Can Do Bristol website and tick the Filwood and Inns Court boxes. This will link you with our local support hub and volunteer coordinators. We will contact you and match you with people in need of help.
Whatever you do, help safely and look after yourself and others – see below for some advice about this.
And remember that by simply Staying at Home we are doing our bit to save lives.
Helping Safely
If you are helping others, please take precautions to protect yourself from catching or spreading coronavirus:
- Follow the NHS ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’
- Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds
- Practice ‘social distancing’ – such as maintaining a distance of around 2 metres from others
- Leave shopping or food packages on the doorstep – knock or notify the person who is self-isolating that you’ve brought them, but leave before they open the door
Bristol City Council has provided guidance on considering safeguarding risks when you’re helping others, which includes:
- show identification to prove who you are or where you live
- never ask for personal details or bank details
- encourage older relatives or neighbours not to give their personal details to anyone
Please make sure you respect and protect the privacy of anyone you help – especially people who might be vulnerable, such as those who live alone or older people. For example, please don’t share anyone’s personal details (such as their name, address or the things they need help with) with others or post it on social media. Even though many people may want to help, there may be others who could take advantage of knowing this information.
The Council website also includes a link to fill in an online safeguarding referral form if you’re worried about someone who might be vulnerable at this time.
If you give out the Knowle West Alliance neighbourhood letters, be mindful of the fact that you will be giving your phone number out to people you may not know.
The Council guidance also has recommendations for anyone receiving help:
- if someone offers to help you, make sure you know and trust them
- never give them money, your bank details or any other personal details
Avoiding Scams
We have been alerted to a number of scams relating to coronavirus:
- On 24 March, the Department for Education’s official Twitter account shared details of a scam that is currently circulating. Scammers have been e-mailing parents: ‘As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we’ll make sure you’re supported’. The Department for Education have confirmed that this is a false email and is asking people: ‘do not respond, and delete immediately.’
- People have received scam text messages directing them to a site called UK-Covid-19-Relieve with a promise of a payment of £258. This is not a genuine website. As we’ve highlighted elsewhere on this page, the UK government website is www.gov.uk/
There are several websites offering articles and guidance online that can help you in identifying scams and fraud online:
- Action Fraud, the National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre
- Which? – the consumer body for testing goods and services