AJR Response to Coronavirus

At this challenging time when your everyday lives will be impacted by the spread of the coronavirus, we are writing to assure you that the AJR will do everything possible to continue to support you, our members. At the time of going to press, the government had just announced advice for the over-70s to self-isolate, a decision that we recognise will profoundly affect you.

In response, the way we deliver our frontline services has been altered. Rather than home visits in person from our social workers and volunteer befrienders, we have started to make contact with members by telephone. Initially, and as a priority, this will be with our most vulnerable members with the greatest needs. Above all, the call will be made to establish what that member’s situation is, what needs they might have – be it food, medical or social – and whether there are relatives, carers, neighbours or another communal organisation who can also assist. We know that for some of our members who were already isolated we remain their primary point of contact and that being alone can itself have a detrimental effect on a person’s mental health.

While we cannot plan for every eventuality, any member of staff who contacts you will do so with the aim of trying to help.

To confirm what you might also have heard by now, for the time being all AJR regional group meetings and social events have been cancelled. This includes the Second Generation conference planned for later this month and the members’ holiday to the Cotswolds in May. Bookings for holidays for later this year have also been suspended.

By the time you read this, it might also be the case that all AJR staff will be working remotely rather than from the AJR offices. Should this have happened we will still be contactable on 020 8385 3070 and by email at enquiries@ajr.positive-dedicated.net

As we will also in all likelihood be providing updates and guidance by email, please ensure we have your email address so we can stay in touch. If you do not already receive correspondence from us by email or have recently changed your email address, please send an email to info@ajr.positive-dedicated.net to establish contact. Updates will also be provided on our website at www.ajr.positive-dedicated.net

Your wellbeing remains our over-riding priority so if you display any of the symptoms associated with the coronavirus, or have underlying health issues, please follow the official updated guidance at https://111.nhs.uk/COVID-19

Wishing you and your loved ones much strength as we manage this unprecedented situation, and our very best wishes for Pesach.