Love in a time of Coronavirus

“Love in the Time of Cholera” is a novel by Colombian Nobel prize winning author Gabriel García Márquez. This book expands our sense of life’s infinite possibilities; something we need to believe in now. We are in unprecedented times and now more that ever need to show our love and support for each other. Advocacy Matters applauds the work of all our amazingly hard-working NHS staff, those working in the care industry and all of the Charities who are now doing their upmost to support vulnerable people. I would like to share with you some situations that Advocacy Matters has been able to support with at this time. We have been supporting highly vulnerable individuals to register themselves as needing support on the government portal, we have supported to locate food parcels and support them to be delivered. We have advocated for individuals to ensure they have a telephone to be able to summon help and support and in one situation we provided an isolated person another television after their’s had broken leaving them bereft of any company. We are making daily telephone calls to isolated people to talk things through, and offer vital support and information. Advocacy Matters have supported our partners to set up new technology and apps so they can remain connected to the outside world and their loved ones. Our staff and volunteers provide a friendship role to have a much-needed chat, and give a listening ear to an isolated person. We are currently supporting over 600 vulnerable adults through independent advocacy and will endeavor to continue to do this for as long as we are able. We want to continue but as the period of isolation lengthens our funds for this sort of support will diminish. Please support us by reading our advocacy stories and making a donation. Contact BVSC to see how you can support. https://www.bvsc.org/ Below are some useful links of support for anyone you know who may need it.

https://volunteersforpandemic2020.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3234138479933658/ – Bham community solidarity. group for people who have access

https://www.togethertv.com/together-good-mutual-aid-covid19 – mutual aid directory for the UK