As we prepare to mark a year since the start of the first lockdown, we are looking back at some of the incredible work our staff have done, going over and above to assist in the fight against Covid-19.
Since March last year, staff across the Brigade have continued to support their communities in any way that they can. Our crews in the Borough of Lewisham have worked both independently and with partners at Voluntary Services Lewisham (VSL) throughout the pandemic to deliver over 400 food parcels to vulnerable residents and even received a helping hand from a celebrity chef.
Working closely with VSL, crews across the Borough have utilised their knowledge of the local area to assist with food parcel deliveries to the local community. On one occasion, they even managed to turn around a delivery to a 90-year-old woman within just 30 minutes of the Brigade’s Control Officers identifying the resident.
Firefighters also had a helping hand from celebrity chef, Levi Roots, who delivered a virtual Caribbean cooking session to crews who then delivered meals to over 30 Lewisham residents.
Not wanting to stop there, Lewisham crews also set up a charity initiative to provide pyjamas for children in hospital.
Station Commander Nathan Hobson said: “Our firefighters have overcome challenges and worked incredibly hard to continue to support community initiatives and local partners during the global pandemic.
“Whilst we now look forward to brighter days, we will continue to do all we can to help those in our local community, with crews continuing to deliver food parcels in the coming weeks.”
Melissa Tettey, CEO of Voluntary Services Lewisham, said: “One of the few positives to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the opportunity to forge new and exciting partnerships, whilst strengthening the existing relationships we have.
“The Lewisham crews have been instrumental in their support of VSL. We have partnered with them to deliver food parcels, and in kind, they have supported us with delivering food hampers for vulnerable and isolated families in need.
“Their warmth and generosity of spirit is evident; we look forward to continuing working with the team to reach more people in need of our services during this challenging period.”