This was originally published in SE22 magazine.

The previous edition of our councillors column was submitted just before the lockdown was announced. Since then, it feels like the world has been turned upside down.

People are understandably scared by everything that is happening. But it has also highlighted the very best of our society: from the key workers risking their health for others’, to the mutual aid groups offering solidarity and support to their neighbours. Every Thursday, we thank not just our nurses, doctors and carers, but also refuse workers, bus drivers and those working in shops. These are the people we rely on the most in a crisis. Perhaps when it is all over, our society will learn to value them more.

Locally, the council has transformed everything it does. Staff have been redeployed to key services and emergency relief. In a matter of weeks, the council created a totally new Community Hub to signpost businesses and residents to the support they need. We have ensured all rough sleepers have a roof over their head. We made millions of pounds available for hardship relief. We have halted all debt-collection for those struggling to make ends meet. I am so impressed and grateful for the amazing response from Southwark Council workers. We must push the government to support councils to continue programmes likes these.

It is not just workers who have risen above and beyond their call of duty - the response from volunteers has been astonishing too. Within days there were active mutual aid groups for both Goose Green and Dulwich Hill wards, which quickly led to smaller street-based groups too. The work they are doing is amazing: for many residents, these volunteers provide a vital lifeline to the world beyond their doorstep. We councillors have been coordinating with the groups - hosting regular meetings with them on Zoom and cascading information between them and the council. Have a look at their website: http://goosegreenmutualaid.co.uk/ and consider making a donation to their foodbank collection: every Monday afternoon between 12-3pm at Oru Space, 20 Lordship Lane.

This is a difficult time for everyone - and it is most difficult for those who already had it worse. But I am heartened by the response from everyone in our community. When this crisis is over I look forward to working with you to build a fairer and more resilient society.

Key information:

The council’s new Community Hub is the best place to start if you need support, or know someone who does. Email covidsupport@southwark.gov.uk or call 0207 525 5000.

Otherwise, here’s some other useful contact points to keep a note of in case you need them:

Access to food: https://bit.ly/SwkFood
Financial support: https://bit.ly/SwkFinancialSupport
Urgent council housing advice: 020 7525 5000 / housing.options@southwark.gov.uk
Independent housing advice: Shelter - https://bit.ly/ShelterHelp 0808 800 4444
Domestic violence or sexual abuse: Solace - 020 7593 1290
Housing benefit: https://bit.ly/SwkHousingBenefit
Temporary accommodation: 020 7525 1093
Support for rough sleepers: https://bit.ly/SwkStreetLink
LGBT+ housing support: southwark@stonewallhousing.org
Emergency hardship fund: 020 7525 2434
Support for businesses: SouthwarkBusinessDesk@southwark.gov.uk
Community grant for charities and voluntary groups: https://bit.ly/SwkCommunityGrant
Stay At Home Library (tons of useful resources for) - https://bit.ly/SwkStayAtHomeLib
Volunteer to help: https://bit.ly/SwkVolunteer
Donate to the local COVID response: https://bit.ly/SwkCommunityFund

Contact details:

Twitter: @mcash

Email: James.McAsh@southwark.gov.uk

Coronavirus: the council and community response