News

Our Coronavirus Action Plan

The current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which began in December 2019, presents a significant challenge for the entire world.

The UK government and other administrations, including the health and social care systems, have planned extensively over the years for an event like this and the UK is therefore well prepared to respond in a way that offers substantial protection to the public.

Of course, this is a new virus and new technology and the increasing connectivity of our world mean that the Government’s plans, including news and information about any illness can travel much more quickly today than it would have just a few years ago.

The quick spread of information from central government is a good thing for charities and community groups like ours, who interact with many people over the course of a day, as we need to make good quality decisions to best ensure the safety, health and ongoing security of not only our service users, but our volunteers and guests.

We are following the guidelines for charities – as follows

The best way to prevent the spread of covid-19

• Wash your hands often with soap (or soap substitutes) and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. This is particularly important after taking public transport.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Advice regarding events / social / general gatherings

• If the charity is planning events which will bring together large numbers of people, keep your plans under review.
• If your events depend on volunteers, be aware that some may prefer to stay home.
• If you are hosting a formal meeting, plan for reduced attendance or the need to move locations and times meetings.

With this in mind, we will be postponing our official “Opening Event” which was scheduled for Saturday March 14th from 1.00-3.00pm.

We are so very keen for you all to see the amazing work Sutton Night Watch do and for you to see the efforts that local businesses, volunteers and friends of Sutton Night Watch have put in to create the amazing hub we have at 35 Manor Road, Wallington; However your health and wellbeing, along with the health and wellbeing of everyone at Sutton Night Watch is always paramount.

We will review this decision at the end of March and will most definitely hold the event in the near future.

Thank you for your understanding and please take a look at these amazing charities who are supporting and helping people who are worried or affected by covid-19 with some great information on their websites.

• Diabetes UK has provided an updated information page for people living with diabetes.
• Asthma UK has released a blog post with advice for people with asthma.
• The British Heart Foundation has published guidance for people with health problems.
• The National Eczema Society has offered advice on handwashing techniques for people with eczema and other skin conditions.
• SignHealth has created British Sign Language (BSL) videos to help deaf BSL users either working in charities or receiving support.
• Carers UK has produced recommendations for carers.
• Housing Justice has issued specialised advice to homeless shelters.
• Glass Door is emphasising the importance of handwashing and has boosted its stock of hand gels kept in their vans that move between shelters.
• Pathway and Crisis have called on the government for guidance on how best to protect homeless people against coronavirus.
• Full Fact has generated a fact check page on covid-19 to help dispel any false information.
• The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Primary Immunodeficiency UK and the Mental Health Foundation have all issued advice and support.