As we all have been affected by the Covid 19 pandemic in some sort of way, may we be reminded that our senior members have been adversely affected. Where it has been a very unsettling, sad and frightening time; especially for those with struggles in using technology to communicate with loved ones, resulting in the development of damaging mental health issues. AgeUK researched the impact of the pandemic on the older population, where ‘64% (2 in 3) felt less confident taking public transport, ‘43% (2 in 5) felt less confident going to the shops or 26% (1 in 4) felt less confident spending time with family’. 

In response to the pandemic, our staff and volunteers at the Chinese Association of Tower Hamlets introduced a food distribution service to provide over 100 vulnerable members of the Chinese community with welfare packages, food, and basic essentials such as face masks, hand soap and toilet rolls. Additionally, supporting people to be comfortable and safe with the security of knowing that we would help with whatever they need. 

A great thanks to our volunteers and the companies who helped make this possible: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China (face masks), Legal & General, Westmill Foods (noodle products), Kong Wah (UK) Ltd (tofu products), Royal China Group (face masks), Walplus (face masks), Man Foods Ltd (fresh vegetables).