HARINGEY RESPONSE UPDATE
Parks
Parks remain open in Haringey, but cafés, toilets, play equipment, outdoor gyms, skate parks, paddling pools and sports courts are all CLOSED and should not be used in any circumstances. Please only use parks for your one form of exercise a day, and maintain social distancing rules.
Parks should not be used for gatherings, picnics, sunbathing, socialising, or any other activity with the exception of exercise. The Met Police are routinely monitoring all parks and will disperse or utilise enforcement powers on anyone not following Government issued guidance. As with other boroughs, if people do not follow the social distancing advice Haringey Council will not hesitate to close the borough's parks completely.
Royal Mail & Post
Royal Mail are continuing to operate, however, due to a high level of staff shortages due to sickness, particularly at the Finsbury Park delivery office which serves the west of the borough, many rounds are currently without a postman. Royal Mail are doing all they can to ensure post is delivered as soon as possible.
Some rounds may be reduced to letters only to ensure some delivery is able to continue.
Closure of reuse and recycling centres
In response to the latest government advice, the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has closed all reuse and recycling centres (RRCs) to the public for the foreseeable future. The council is working hard to maintain waste collection services but the closure of the RRCs is likely to increase pressure on local waste collection services. Residents should therefore avoid producing unnecessary waste as this will help the council keep critical waste services running. For further information on the closures of RRCs, please visit the NLWA Wise Up To Waste website.
Council services - Disabled Parking: The NHS have suspended all assessments for Blue Badges so:
- Renewals: All Blue Badge Holders who need to renew are being given a 6 month (instead of 3 year) Blue Badge. All those awaiting for processing - Traffic Wardens are not ticketing any Blue Badges which expired after 1st March 2020
- New Applications: The council are still working this through with the Department of Transport.
- Customer Services:
- Marcus Garvey and Wood Green customer service centres are now closed.
- The call-centre is fully functioning, and staff who would have normally worked in the Customer Service Centre are being diverted to answering calls at our customer service contact centre (as all staff are working via a remote switchboard).
- Please note the following key Customer Service numbers
- 0208 489 4431: This is for Connected Communities for any resident who needs help for any issue (food, rent, job loss, benefits etc.).
- 0208 489 5611: This is for Homes for Haringey for people facing rent issues or have emergency repairs.
- 0208 489 0000: This will get people through to a switch-board to get diverted.
- Highways: Currently "Business As Usual" but expecting a growth in drain issues. Utilities are still operating and the council continues to issue permits for works.
Carers
If anyone is a carer we have attached a Covid 19 Advice to Carers leaflet from Haringey Council (click here for leaflet) together with a copy of the letter that the council will be sending to carers (click here for letter).
Also here are some important phone numbers for carers and vulnerable residents: - Where a carer becomes unwell and is unable to care for their loved one: Haringey First Response Team : 0208 489 1400.
- For accessing essential items, or accessing other support : Haringey Connected Communities helpline 020 8489 4431 (Monday - Friday 9.30-4.30). Email: connectedcommunities@haringey.gov.uk
- Carers First : 0300 303 1555 provide telephone, email, webchat and online support to carers (Monday-Thursday 9am – 5pm. Fridays 9am – 4:30pm).
Housing Associations Tenants
We have written to the council requesting that Housing Associations offer tenants rent holidays/breaks if they are facing financial hardship. The council continues to liaise with its housing associations in the borough to ensure the welfare of all residents.
Many housing associations are offering advice, support and guidance to tenants, including putting payment plans in place or supporting tenants to claim benefits they are entitled to, and new, emergency Government legislation will mean no one can be evicted from their homes during this period (more info). If you are struggling to pay your rent due to Coronavirus we would recommend contacting your Housing Association in the first instance.
If you require further assistance after this, please use the Connected Communities service (details below).
Connected Communities
Haringey's Connected Communities service continues to offer help and support to those that need it during the current time. The service is only able to operate thanks to the generous volunteering offers from residents. - If you are a resident who needs need help:
If you are worried about the impact that coronavirus will have on your money, or if you or someone you know might need help – for example someone to talk to, get shopping, or health and care support – please contact Haringey Council's Connected Communities team on 020 8489 4431. The line is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm.
- If you are a resident who can volunteer:
To help those in need, Connected Communities are looking for volunteers who are healthy and at low risk. There is a range of volunteer roles on offer from shopping, phone calling through to dog walking. If you would like to offer support to someone in your community, you can sign up to the scheme using the online form: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/want-to-help or call 020 8489 4431. The line is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
- If you are a business or organisation who can help:
The council are grateful for offers of help and support from voluntary and community sector organisations and businesses. If you can help, please click the following link to register with Connected Communities, so the council can utilise your support as quickly as possible: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/i-want-help-organisations-or-businesses
Donations needed
Haringey Giving (a fund managed by people in the Haringey community and endorsed by Haringey Council) is trying to raise £50,000 to support the borough’s most vulnerable people, and the community initiatives responding to the Covid-19 crisis.
Please do consider giving as all donations will be doubled up to a total of £40,000 by Linklaters LLP! https://www.haringeygiving.org.uk/appeal/haringey-covid-19-appeal
FOOD BANKS are in urgent need of supplies
We advise ordering non-perishable food to be delivered directly to Muswell Hill Foodbank during opening times: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/muswellhill/ or you can donate money to them here: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/10986#!/DonationDetails
To view a list of alternative local foodbanks please visit this link. |
