Coronavirus - Merton CIL Service Update
Our Advice and Advocacy Service
We have had to make some temporary changes to how we operate. Our team will be working remotely until further notice. We are operating a reduced service but our advice and advocacy service is open to new benefits, community care and hate crime cases. Please get in touch to arrange an appointment. Our telephone line is monitored daily and you can also email and visit our website or social media platforms for general information and advice.
We have temporarily changed the way that we conduct appointments. We will provide advice over the telephone, via email, in a letter or via video calling platform such as Zoom or Skype. We will not provide any face to face advice in order to protect our service users and staff.
We can also provide food bank vouchers to those that have a low income or are unable to currently work.
Support to register as 'vulnerable'
We can support Disabled people who have limited access to the internet to register as vulnerable online so that they can get support around accessing food and other necessities. If you have had trouble understanding the process or if you are considered vulnerable then please get in touch too.
Information and Signposting
If you get in touch with an issue that we are unable to support on we will do our best to put you in touch with an organisation that can help. We have pulled together a list of places that you can get support. We will keep this page updated. Take a look - https://www.mertoncil.org.uk/useful-information/coronavirus-information/
Craftivism & Chat Online
Craftivism & Chat aims to reduce isolation and loneliness, as well as get Deaf and Disabled people to make change happen by speaking up and getting involved in Disability arts. We understand that many Disabled people are in isolation and may be feeling lonely. Therefore, we think it is important that Craftivism continues. Our next group takes place on 28th May 2020. Agenda will be shared soon.
https://zoom.us/j/4521623769
Meeting ID: 452 162 3769
Craftivism & Chat Packs
We want you to be craftivists while staying home. We are sending Craftivism and Chat packs to regulars crafters that come along to our group. The pack contains art supplies and few special treats from superstar Craftivist Sarah Corbett - creator of The Craftivist Collective (@Craftivists). If you are a member and would like a pack please get in touch. We can get one delivered to your front door. Keep an eye on our website and social media we will be sharing pictures and information on the packs over the next week.
Staying in contact with our Members
Our staff and volunteers have been working hard to make contact with all of our members to check that they are safe and well and provide support on any issues that they may have.
If you would like a weekly phone call to have a chat and stay connected or if you are a member and have not heard from us yet, then please get in contact with your details and we will be in touch.
Our new closed group on Facebook & Social Media
We have started a new closed Facebook group so that members and supporters can provide each other with support and discussions during this difficult time. Please join, follow our other social media platforms and get involved. https://www.facebook.com/groups/256022189117837/?notif_id=1587819983324011¬if_t=group_milestone
We are doing all that we can to ensure that we adapt and continue to provide a supportive and accessible service for Deaf and Disabled people in Merton.
My Voice Matters 2020 was scheduled to take place on 25th June 2020. Unfortunately, this event will be postponed until late October 2020
Updated: 27th April 2020