We have had a fairly mild winter with a few very cold days in December and January. The winter snowfall was a welcome by many children — a time for snowmen and snowballs.
But amid all the fun many people have had heavy colds, the flu and coughs, as well as general tiredness and fatigue. For the more vulnerable in our community, the elderly, children under eight, those with long-term illness, and the homeless, this has been a difficult and anxious time.
Harrow Road Community Champions have been supporting our Winter Health Campaign through a variety of actions. Actions have included health promotion training, and the promotion of Self Care.
Champions have received training about flu and flu jabs, asthma and oral hygiene for children and adults.
These health messages have been shared with friends, family and the community at large. Leaflets and fact sheets on winter health were handed out at the North Paddington food bank and those passing by Maida Hill Market.
As the cold spells continue we encourage everyone to stay warm and support those who need warm clothes and hot food. Let us look out for each other.
Local Champions are supporting the community by serving hot soups as part of our Winter Warmth Campaign. Since last November our champions served over 250 cups of soup aided by our resident chef.
The Harrow Road ward has some of the poorest levels of physical and mental health in the country so our winter health campaign was constructed to promote health and wellbeing. Champions take the soup to some local residents who are housebound.
We are at Maida Hill Market every Tuesday afternoon, after 3pm so come and enjoy a heart-warming cup of soup!
We will shortly be serving the soup from a Champions market stall. Volunteer or come to say hello.
Contact Lydia at 2 Maida Hill Place, Fernhead Road, W93ET Phone: 0208 964 254 Email: lydia@westminsterartisans.co.ukCome to our new drop-in on Wednesday afternoon from 2pm-5pm. We offer monthly treatments such as acupressure and reflexology, knitting and a variety of talks and workshop.
Come for a chat, get information on health matters and campaigns or drop by for a cup of tea and some delicious healthy food. Our new Women’s Group provides a supportive environment.
Their programme includes skills development, talks and an opportunity to try something new. Join us at WECH Hall, Chantry Close, W9 3RR.
Over the past three months we have been supporting North Paddington Food Bank to let foodbank users know about services we work with and training we provide.
We work with Foodbank volunteers to provide tea, coffee and a supportive environment where people feel respected.
The foodbank provides Community Champions with an opportunity to connect with local residents and direct them to services who can support their needs. The food bank is open every Wednesday morning from 9:30am to 12:30. Food parcels are given to people who have been referred by their doctor, Social Services or local networks.
Contact James@npfoodbank.org.uk to volunteer for the foodbank or Lydia@westminsterartisans.co.uk to join the Harrow Road Champions at the food bank.
The Harrow Road Champions project has begun a training and volunteer recruitment programme for anyone interested in working with parents and children. National Childcare Trust training provided. Contact lydia@westminsterartisans.co.uk or call us on 0208 964 2549 for more details.
Free drop-in for under 4s PDT and Creative Futures run a free drop-in for 0-4 years every Thursday 10am-12pm. Resident-led drop-in for parents with children under four and expectant parents. Weekly sessions all year round. Join us for refreshments, music-making story telling, yoga, special events and more!
Lydford Hall, 74 Fernhead Road, W9 3EW
Tuesdays from 3pm
Soup at Maida Hill Place, 2 Fernhead Road, W9 3ET
Wednesday mornings
North Paddington Food Bank, WECH Hall Wednesday afternoon Drop in/Women’s Group at WECH Hall Therapies, workshops and a chat
Thursdays
See our Facebook page for updates, go to https://www.facebook.com/HRCOMMUNITYCHAMPS/
