Organised by All ChangeHelp us provide vital care and support to Islington communities hardest hit by the Covid-19 crisis - older people home alone & in care homes, vulnerable young families, young women at risk, migrant communities & people with mental health problems.
All Change has been bringing artists and communities together in Islington for over 30 years but our remit has expanded recently as those in need have reached out to us, many of them with nowhere else to turn. Some need immediate poverty relief and advice as they are forced to consider high-interest payday loans in the face of stark choices - whether to pay utility bills or buy nappies. Some are fearful of what will happen if they catch the virus - will they have adequate food or access to medical help? How can they self isolate in overcrowded housing? Many are experiencing increased anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders. All feel overwhelmed, cut off and frightened.
WHAT WE ARE DOING: - We are providing access to food and supplies, financial help and advice, support where mental and physical health is at risk, and around the clock guidance and reassurance to those who find themselves hit hard by the current situation. Supporting people's emotional and mental wellbeing is part of our practice, but this level and urgency of need means we need to respond swiftly. You can help us to do this.
We know how valuable arts and culture can be, in keeping people connected, in boosting morale and wellbeing, and in addressing inequality, so alongside providing urgent practical and emotional support, we are continuing to find ways to deliver creative work remotely during the crisis.
WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM YOUR HELP: - As our interaction with the world moves online the communities we reach are really struggling, finding themselves further excluded and isolated. Many cannot afford smart phones, computers or broadband connectivity, whilst others are unfamiliar with technology and have no one to help. Families are stuck in poor and temporary accommodation with no outdoor space. Young people aged 18-24 are increasingly struggling to cope with the mental health effects of lockdown whilst children in digital poverty risk falling further behind their peers. Older people - in care homes and alone at home - are especially in need of our support, isolated, lonely and in real fear for their lives. Our work can help address many of these challenges right now.
WHAT YOUR DONATION WILL MEAN: - We know that these are uncertain and difficult times for everyone, but if you are able to make a donation - however large or small - your help will ensure our work can continue to support our communities in this desperate time.
Being with people I have a rapport with (on a landline for me), is a lifesaver in this time of need. Coming together with fun and jokes, seriousness, movement and creativity is almost as good as the real thing. - Tony, aged 73, project participant .
All Change online has helped me feel like I am still attending sessions, like nothing has changed. Zoom was amazing and my son really enjoyed it, thank you for working during this time and checking in with us so regularly. - Ana aged 22, young parent participant
At this time, things are quite overwhelming, especially if you're alone or don't have family around. With the need to social distance, the young women on the All Change young parents project need this support and their safe place even more. The need for virtual links where these young parents can come together to talk, gain peer support and most of all boost each others spirits is essential. - Kim Llewelyn - Family Nurse, NHS Family Nurse Partnership.
I am deeply impressed by how much cultural organisations like All Change provide for our community in Islington. Even during these exceptionally difficult times, All Change is continuously developing more ways to engage all generations, especially those residents who are most isolated, anxious and in need of support during this crisis. - Councillor Kaya Comer Schwartz, Islington Council Executive Member for Children & Families
#KeepingConnected #NeverMoreNeeded
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