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Coronavirus update: services and support

06/07/2020

Information about our latest service updates and places to get support.

UPDATED 04/09/2020

Poplar HARCA’s priority remains the health of residents and staff. We are currently running a limited service in line with the latest Government advice.

We are focusing on delivering essential services such as essential repairs, such as gas, electricity and leaks, cleaning and looking after vulnerable residents.

Our offices are closed.

Access our services

You can still access our services by logging onto MyHARCA. Here you can view your statement and pay your rent or service charge.

Alternatively, you can call 0800 035 1991 to make a payment or report an essential repair. You can also email us at info@poplarharca.co.uk.

We can’t currently accept or issue cheques. For alternative ways to pay, please click here.

Cleaning

Our Estate Services team has remained out and about, and is working on a reduced rota focusing on health and safety works.  Please keep 2m away from them as they go about their daily tasks.

Community centres

We’re delighted to be re-opening some of our community centres in September, barring any changes in Government’s safety guidelines for public spaces. All visitors will need to wear a face covering or mask and pre-book by email before coming in:

Although services will be limited and social distancing must be followed, visitors will see the return of some of our most popular activities. We will pay special attention to providing employment and training and welfare benefit support, in light of the difficulties so many of us are experiencing because of the pandemic.

Lansbury Spotlight, our youth service, and The Hive, our employment and training service, are already open for pre-booked visits. Young people can drop in at Spotlight for free, tasty takeaway lunches, cooked by The Kidz Cafe, during the summer holidays too.

You can still access our community centres online which are free and available to everyone:

Our centres will continue to support older and vulnerable households, and we are working with local charities, mutual aid groups and Tower Hamlets Council.  If you feel you may need extra help, or are worried about an elderly or vulnerable neighbour, please let us know.

Play areas

We plan to re-open some of our play areas in August.  Please make sure your children take extra care to follow safety guidelines on signs which will be put up on the play areas, including social distancing rules, and washing hands before and after outside play.

Repairs in your home

We are only carrying out essential repairs to residents’ homes. We are not logging or booking non-essential repairs at the moment. If you are concerned about an outstanding repair, please contact us for advice. Communal and estate works will continue as usual because there is no risk of close contact between people.

For a list of essential repairs, useful information, and resources to help you carry out basic repairs jobs in the meantime click here.

For essential repairs, please call us on 0800 035 1991.

Our contractors are taking extra safety measures to help keep you and themselves healthy while they work in your home. Find out more here.

Construction sites

Our construction sites are open. Sites are following strict safety guidance to reduce risk to employees and residents.

Keep up to date

We are sharing important coronavirus updates in our e-newsletter. Sign up now, or read the latest edition. We appreciate your understanding during these exceptional circumstances.

For more information on how you can take action to protect yourself and others, visit the NHS website.

 

Helpful links and information

Health information

Information from the Government

Information from Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets Council have a set up a phone helpline on 0207 364 3030 to support residents that have been identified as being extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 caused by coronavirus. All other residents who need support can use the online form, to let the council know about their situation and any issues they may face while isolating or managing their care during the coronavirus pandemic.

Financial information & Universal Credit

Local foodbanks

Foodbanks across the country are experiencing high demand. You can support local organisations by making a donation online.

Covid-19 Mutual Aid community groups

Help with shopping and errands

Mental health support

Support for young people

Volunteering opportunities

Our local community has pulled together to support each other, and many organisations are recruiting more people to help.

Support for business tenants

Find advice and support for our business tenants here.

Tower Hamlets Council

Fraud

The Metropolitan Police have received reports of coronavirus-related scams:

  • NHS tests: Fraudsters claim to be doing coronavirus tests on behalf of the NHS. If anyone knocks on your door, ignore them and call the Police.
  • Phishing emails: Fraudsters claim to be from research organisations linked to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Don’t click on links or attachments in suspicious or unsolicited emails, and never respond to emails, calls or messages that ask for your personal or financial details.　
  • Free school meals: Fraudulent emails ask for bank details to support those entitled to free school meals. Do not open these emails, and delete immediately. Find out more.
  • Shopping for the elderly: Fraudsters claim to be from supermarkets, take money from elderly residents for shopping and then don’t return. Do not hand over money to anyone knocking on your door and call the Police.
  • Online shopping: If you’re making a purchase from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first and use a credit card if you have one. Find out more.

Install the latest software and updates to protect your devices from the latest threats.

Keeping safe at home

Our Safeguarding team is here to support residents who may be at increased risk of domestic abuse during this stay at home period.

We want to assure those who may use work as a safe haven and are now unable to do so, that we are here to listen and advise you.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse and you’re concerned for your or their safety, please call us on 0800 035 1991 (ask to speak to the Safeguarding team) or report it to us online.

If anyone is in immediate risk of harm, please always call 999.

There are various national support agencies who may also be able to provide you with advice and support:

  • Refuge on 0808 2000 247 – domestic abuse helpline
  • Women’s Aid live chat or email
  • Galop on 0800 999 5428 – LGBT+ domestic abuse helpline
  • Respect on 0808 802 4040 – anonymous & confidential helpline for perpetrators
  • Respect on 0808 801 0327 – confidential helpline for male victims
  • Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247 – supporting victims of  honour based abuse and forced marriage
  • Hour Glass on 0808 808 8141 – challenging the abuse of older people in all its forms

Keeping children safe

The current lockdown could put some children at greater risk of abuse, as families are under new pressures, spending much more time at home and children are not seeing other adults, like grandparents and teachers who might normally be able to help.

We can all play our part by checking in with families and reaching out for support and advice if we have any concerns.

The NSPCC website provides lots of useful guidance on how to spot the signs, ways to keep in touch and where to access help.

If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999 straight away.

If you are worried about a child, the Tower Hamlets Early Help service can provide support with parenting, money troubles, emotional health and much more, to help stop problems becoming more serious. You can make an online referral here.

Fire safety

With people spending more time at home, The London Fire Brigade has published advice on staying safe. Enjoy the warmer weather safely; BBQs aren’t allowed on balconies or in communal areas.

If using hand sanitiser, remove from your car when not in use as hot weather can result in sanitisers causing fires.

Covid-19 repairs informationCovid-19 business tenants