If ever there was a twilight zone, this seems to be it!

Funny how we loved 80’s sci-fi films and Stephen King books about what millennium life would look like. Holograms, time machines, flying cars, plus a few ugly looking aliens trying to destroy mankind.

The coronavirus feels like an alien more frightful than we ever imagined. It is invisible and disrupting our basic need for human connection. However, such challenging times are creating a multitude of heroes. They have always been there, but right now it is the well established charities in our community who are swiftly organising help to our most vulnerable residents.

Washing our hands is vital, but the healthy amongst us want to do more. We are a close knit town who have a burning desire to keep the elderly safe and let them know they are cared for and not alone. Sadly, COVID-19 has created a barrier to the most natural instinct of knocking on the door with a friendly face and helpful hands. We may not know their phone number or email and even feel we are protecting them by keeping our distance. The consequence of this isolation is hurting us all.

Technology is playing an integral role in connecting those who need help to those who want to volunteer. WhatsApp and Facebook groups are flourishing, whilst the hashtag #HowCanIHelp is nurturing conversations of support. However, not everyone is connected digitally. A simple note through the door providing your name and phone number with an invitation to ask for help is almost as simple and archaic as it is revolutionary.

With the imminent self-isolation guidelines for over 70’s being recommended this weekend, GP and lead for Social Prescribing; Mohan Sekeram is acutely aware of how this could lead to the deterioration of mental health. He echoes the overwhelming collective consciousness that the time to volunteer is now.

Let’s help the superheroes of our community do their job.

Wishing everyone time to make daily phone calls, post letters, learn new ways to cook without pasta, find an industrial hand cream whilst we tighten our seat belts and create innovative ways to support our friends, family, neighbours and local businesses.

Warmest,

@LadyWimbledon

Here is a list of local charities who need you.

Wimbledon Food Bank

They need volunteers and food donations. Please drop off non-perishable items in the donation points listed at the end of this column.

Email: wimbledonfoodbank@gmail.com

Wimbledon Guild

Need volunteers to support the elderly in Merton.

Email: info@wimbledonguild.co.uk

Phone: 0208 946 0735

Bluebird Merton

Recruiting for Care Assistants to work locally now.

Email: merton@bluebirdcare.co.uk

Phone: 0208 687 5745

Merton Volunteers (MVSC)

Email: info@mvsc.co.uk

Phone: 0208 685 2272

Age UK Merton

Need donations and volunteers.

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/merton

Wimbledon Food Bank Donation Points:

Waitrose, Coombe Lane, Raynes Park

The box is front of store near exit

Waitrose, Alexandra Road, Wimbledon

The box is front of store near cash machine

Tesco, Beverley Way, New Malden

The box is front of store near exit

Sainsbury’s, 1 Merton High Street, Colliers Wood

The Box is by the wall near to the customer service desk

Direct donation drop off:

Elim Pentecostal Church, Wimbledon, 76 Kingston Road SW19 1LA

If you have more time, please volunteer to be a driver who can bring these boxes to their base on Kingston Road or come and wrap food parcels for those who are needing basics to feed their family at this difficult time. Open Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am - 12 noon.