Covid update from Havering Association for People with Disabilities.

Whilst we have had to stop all face to face services at H.A.D. we have continued to work hard to support people living in the borough. Staff and volunteers have been busy with over 600 contacts helping people with anything from shopping, collecting prescriptions, to delivering puzzles and books to relieve boredom. In addition to this a new phone buddies project has been created where clients can contact each other laugh, chat and put the world to rights over the phone or social media which has been paramount in reducing Social Isolation.

Some of our clients were not up to date with their technology but now are getting involved with virtual bingo, quizzes and much more, which we are all proud of. Other activities include wellbeing calls from a health practitioner, sunflower seeds sent to clients, Exercise and tips for wellbeing, letters from staff, and we even managed to put together a video with supportive messages from our clients, this was shared many times on Social Media.

Our volunteers and clients have been an inspiration to us with their determination to stay connected with each and not let coronavirus stop them. They reach out to the staff team to check on our well-being and never stop coming up with ideas and positivity to get through these times.

It’s been a tough few months for all involved but there have still been moments of joy from being sent a beautiful picture of a client enjoying a puzzle we sent him, thank you cards, hearing how successful our phone buddies project is running and the screen shots of clients chatting (sometimes for hours), and just being able to connect with our most vulnerable residents of Havering. 

H.A.D. is a small charity, and sadly we are unable to carry out any fundraising activities at the moment, but these times have reminded us that our clients are the heart of what we do, so whatever it has taken the staff have done their upmost to help each and every day and we will continue to do so! 

If you know of anyone that would like to use our service of could benefit from a phone buddy then please contact the office on 01708 476554. Or you would like to make a small donation then the link is below.