26 June 2020

H&F CAN announces new opening hours to support residents in need

H&F CAN, the Community Aid Network, has announced new summer opening hours.

H&F CAN, the Community Aid Network that has been a key element of the borough’s resilience during COVID-19, has announced new summer opening hours.

To ensure support is still available for those in need, the call centre will be open 9am to 6pm Monday to Fridays, and will maintain a weekend option by opening from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays and bank holidays.

Although lockdown measures are gradually easing and some people returning to work, Hammersmith & Fulham Council has committed to continuing the hugely-successful CAN.

The support package for residents includes:

Peer support phone calls and advice for those dealing with social isolation or loneliness.
Personal shopping, errand-running and dog-walking support for residents, included those identified as Shielding, who are unable to leave their homes.
Food support for those most in need through the H&F Foodbank.

Since its launch at the end of March H&F CAN has handled over 6,000 phone calls and 2,000 emails, and sent out 12,500 food parcels through the Foodbank.

CAN has also worked closely with the borough’s mutual aid groups and the Third Sector and intends to deepen those relationships going forward. It has also supported almost 9,000 Shielded residents.

Already this week over 300 volunteers have re-signed to the CAN to show their commitment to supporting those most in need in the borough.

H&F Deputy Leader Cllr Sue Fennimore said: “The dedication of volunteers throughout the borough - backed by H&F CAN, the mutual aid network and community groups and charities - has been key to the enormous support that residents have received during COVID-19.

“We are determined that this extraordinary outpouring of kindness and support is embedded in the fabric of our communities to deepen those strong relations going forward even further.”