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CORONOVIRUS PANDEMIC

  • Everyone must now stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus. You should only leave home to shop for necessities, for a short period of daily exercise, for a medical emergency or to provide care or help for a vulnerable person.
  • 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.
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.

It is FiSH policy to obtain references and a criminal record check for all volunteers so, if they knock on you 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.
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
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.
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.
Volunteering
We are currently recruiting volunteers to help with shopping and telephone befriending.

We are grateful for all offers of help and the response has been rather overwhelming!  It is therefore taking a while to work through all the applications we have received so please be patient.

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!
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!