Wednesday 18th March 2020 - Covid virus; what are HMHB doing?

yep - that's a pic of the virus

Posted 1:15pm

It is about time we dedicated a blog entry to how Covid is affecting HMHB and our project work.  Naturally, we are following Government guidelines and watching all the news.

We were running some courses in Camden and Islington this month with relevant Job Centres in those boroughs. Sadly, we have been informed today that the remaining course dates have had to be cancelled. The Job Centres themselves are closing to all current signees - and people will be contacted over the telephone instead. Only new claimants will have to attend the centres.

This naturally has a knock on effect on HMHB. Lazza has been working as a volunteer for the last three months, but we have had Luke and Dean on payroll - so their money will be reduced. But we still have had costs, including venue, printing, stationery, sustenance on the days (coffee, tea, sugar, biccies, etc.) And there has been prep time too.  We have to justify funding for the work we have done - which we naturally can do, especially when people see the feedback - but I would much rather have worked longer with service users, which is where our strengths lie.

At the moment, we are carrying on with our three fitness sessions. Yes, we know some people are self isolating. But many of us have no symptoms and just want to live our lives, and being physically active is a major part of that - as well as part of why HMHB was created. We want to give opportunities to people to workout together.

This was our group yesterday at Highbury. The virus has scared a lot of people away - and we do note that a lot of our users are older, and several are over 70. The Government recommendation is that anyone over 70 should remain away from social contact for at least the next three to four months.

I am waiting to see how our walk goes tomorrow. We have done our Clissold Park Izzwalkz venture every Thursday since November 2016 and it would be a great shame to cancel. I guess it is all down to if people turn up. If the need is there, I will continue.

Lawrence, Luke and Dean continue to want to keep HMHB going as long as we can. We love what we do, and none of us have symptoms at the moment. Of course, if anything develops we will follow all the guidelines. Meanwhile, it is business as usual for us.

Thank you everyone for your love and support, over many months. We wish everyone a safe and healthy few weeks and months, especially the tricky ones ahead. Please, stay calm. The mortality rate is extremely low, but everyone is worrying, naturally, about worst case scenarios. Stay hydrated, keep eating healthy food, and maybe use this time productively to get things done indoors. Do exercise a bit. I know that can be tough, but you need to keep moving and be active.

Hugs and love!!  xx