CORONOVIRUS PANDEMIC

  • Everyone should continue to follow Government advice, stay alert and help stop the spread of coronavirus. With the very gradual easing of lockdown, this is especially important. Stay alert and don't take risks so we can avoid a second wave of the virus.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often.​
  • If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough, use the 111 coronavirus service.
FiSH Open Gardens 2020
Usually, at this time of year, one of the real highlights of the community's year is our popular Open Gardens event.  Sadly, for obvious reasons, we are unable to run the event as we normally do - but all is not lost!  This year, rain or shine, you can visit gardens in Barnes from the comfort of your armchair!  Click here to find out more!
Most of our activities are currently cancelled until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Helpline remains open, however it is prioritising shopping and the delivery of food and medicines.
Shopping
Do you, or someone you know, need help with shopping?  If so, please call our Helpline on 020 8876 3414. We can help with ad-hoc shopping, or regular weekly shops during this period of lockdown and beyond.

It is FiSH policy to obtain references and a criminal record check for all volunteers so, if they knock on your door, you know they can be trusted.  All FiSH volunteers carry photo ID.

Volunteers will be matched to those who need shopping and will call you beforehand for your list and for a friendly chat. They will try to shop in your preferred shop and for your chosen items where possible, although some flexibility may be required at this time.

Priority will be given to members of FiSH and those over 70, although anyone living in Barnes, Mortlake or East Sheen who are currently self-isolating or being 'shielded' due to chronic illnesses or vulnerable household members is welcome to ask for help.
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Telephone Buddies
If isolation is getting to you and you would welcome a 'Telephone Buddy' to chat with, please call Liz on 020 8878 8100. A friendly chat about what was on TV last night or simply the antics of your pets can make all the difference right now!
Referrals
We are happy to receive referrals from GPs, social workers, district nurses,  community mental health teams or concerned family members. Please call Liz on 020 8878 8100.
Anyone got a sweet tooth?
Desserts made of meringue are always hugely popular at any lunch arranged by FiSH and last week volunteers, Penny and Faith, were back in the Barnes Green kitchen to whip up some Lemon Roulade.  These were delivered last Friday to those receiving meals from COOK... apart from two portions which, strangely, were required for taste tasting... Those of us working from home were told that it was 'to die for'!!
Crumble anyone?
Thanks to the generosity of Malcolm at Two Peas in a Pod in Barnes, the partners at Waitrose East Sheen and also the sterling culinary efforts of volunteers Penny, Faith and Clare, 80 FiSH members have today received pudding to go with their meals from COOK Barnes. Thank you to all for your time and generosity!
Neighbourhood Care Groups
FiSH is one of eight neighbourhood care groups located within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.  FiSH serves a population of 33,000 living in Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen.  We also support those living in TW10 who live between Clifford Avenue and Sheen Common Drive, and those living in SW15 who pay their Council Tax to Richmond Council.

If you live outside of these areas please contact your appropriate network:
Richmond - Richmond Good Neighbours 
Kew - Kew Neighbourhood Association
Ham & Petersham - Ham & Petersham SOS
Twickenham & St Margarets - HANDS Care Group
Teddington & Hampton Wick - Teddington & Hampton Hill Voluntary Care Group
Whitton & Heathfield - Whitton Network
Hampton & Hampton Hill - Hampton & Hampton Hill Voluntary Care

For Roehampton & Putney please contact Age UK Wandsworth
Thank you!
We are very grateful to Robyn Gilbert who has been raising money for FiSH and the NHS by holding a bring-and-buy sale in her front garden! She has raised £600 to be divided 50/50. What an amazing effort! Thanks Robyn!
Volunteering
The situation concerning COVID19 continues to change and develop. We are hugely grateful for the many new volunteers who came forward at the start of the crisis. Some of these are now returning to work, so we need a second recruitment drive to ensure our work can continue for the duration... and beyond.

If you have time to spare now and are likely to have availability post-COVID we would love to hear from you.

As is our usual policy, all new volunteers will be asked to undergo a criminal records check and for the contact details of two referees.

An application form can be downloaded by clicking on the button below.
"I have not volunteered with FiSH before and was really struck by how grateful the lady I helped was. You are doing a great job matching people in need with those of us able to help. Thank you. I am proud to be part of this community effort."
Alistair
If you would like to support FiSH financially during this challenging time please click on the button below.  Thank you!
“My goodness, I am so thrilled with the bag of meals you delivered this morning that it has made me cry. I didn’t have any Easter eggs, so finding those in the bottom is such a special touch. Thank you FiSH for all you are doing for us. What would we do without you all?”
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Patchwork Spring
We've come up with a little creative challenge for those of you who like sewing etc and may have a few hours to spare!  The idea originally came from Adrienne, one of our FiSH volunteers, who suggested we could sew masks, but it developed into a project that is a little less useful but hopefully a bit more fun! Click here for details of how you can be involved.
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Keep Fit and Active
Victoria Hutton teaches regular chair exercise classes for FiSH and Age UK in Mortlake and Barnes. She offers various remote classes now by Zoom and would like to offer the same for the elderly or less able who are now confined to their homes. If you know a neighbour, parent or grandparent who has a computer or tablet and would be interested in free exercise classes please contact Victoria by email or call her on 020 8876 2761 and she will get you linked up in no time. Theses sessions are free and will keep you smiling, fit and mobile during this unusual time. You don’t have to be in the London area to benefit. Relations and friends far and wide are welcome!

However, if you'd rather exercise on your own, we have developed a Chair Exercise sheet which you can download here.  
Scams
During times of 'disaster' there are always the few who would seek to take advantage of the disadvantaged and this challenging time is no different. Many kind and generous people are offering help, but up and down the country there are reports of scams and criminal activity. 

If you are offered help, please make sure it is coming from a reputable source. And please make sure your loved ones are aware of the danger of responding to unsolicited leaflet drops, phone calls or calls at the front door.