Coronavirus is affecting our most vulnerable neighbours. 

We can do something about it.

Coronavirus has turned everyone’s world upside down. But it’s hurting those already  disadvantaged most. Children, families and older people are afraid of going hungry. Many already feel isolated and anxious. Children are falling behind in school and losing mental health support. We must act to prevent this crisis from becoming a disaster.  With your help, we can safeguard people at risk.

We are already helping a significant number of families get the basics, like food and medicines, with the support of trusted partners. We are making daily food deliveries. We’ve distributed shopping vouchers to over 50 families in Belsize and Swiss Cottage. We’ve made over 100 calls to vulnerable young people and parents. We’re running online peer support groups in temporary accommodation hostels. We’re checking in on some of our eldest residents. We’re providing extended school provision for local essential workers, so they can work for all of us.

We don’t always tell you enough about all we do at the Winch. And, you may not have had to think too much about the people most at risk in our neighbourhood, until coronavirus hit us all. But to many of your neighbours, we’re often the help that really matters. We are there come rain or shine. It’s what’s woven us into the heart of our community for nearly 50 years.

What happens next now depends on you. Literally. We are running out of money. Fast. Like many charities, and of course many businesses, we’ve been hit hard financially. Unlike commercial business though, it’s at times like this when demands on the Winch rise. We face a stark choice- do less to save what little money we have or do more, and risk our future. 

We want to do more, but can’t do it without your support

Become a monthly sponsor:

£25/mo – sponsor a Young Person – covers the cost of an emergency food voucher and a SIM card, which will provide a lifeline for young people at risk and who may not have a safe place to live.  Our Promise Workers worry that we will lose touch with our most vulnerable youth if we have no way to contact them and help them access the services they need.

£50/mo – sponsor a Family -We work with lone parents, families on low and unpredictable incomes or who have complex medical or social needs. We are particularly worried for women who are in escaping coercive or exploitative relationships. With your help, we can provide consistent support to help them manage the anxiety and challenges that are being made worse by being isolated and unwell in overcrowded accommodation.

£100/mo – show your support for the work of our Frontline Staff.  In partnership with a local school, our exceptional after-school team has volunteered to provide extended after-school provision to the children of doctors, health workers and essential staff leading the fight against coronavirus locally. This work is not funded, but it’s how we play our part.

We always appreciate your one-off donations. But at this time, a monthly donation ensures that we have what we need to support our vulnerable families and children through this crisis. 

Please sign up now to receive our newsletter and follow us on Facebook. We will be sharing stories from our families and young people and hope that you will share your stories with us as well.

If you are a supporter, champion, funder or donor of the Winch and Belsize Community Library, thank you. You’ve made it possible for us to be here today, for our community and we are grateful for your backing.