Charities and Volunteering

Politicians don't always like being photographed at their front door, but here's one politician who's more than happy and is looking very relaxed to boot. Enfield Southgate MP Bambos Charalambous is seen here posing outside his home for local photographer Jenny Smith, who's raising money for a domestic violence charity, Refuge, by taking (socially distanced) photos of people standing at their front door, in return for a donation.

LYDS Coronavirus Help are looking for additional volunteers to deliver food parcels.

When the Covid-19 lockdown began, among the items that quickly disappeared off the supermarket shelves - toilet rolls, pasta, flour etc - were sanitary pads. These are among the essentials that North Enfield Food Bank distributes to its users. At the council's request, Palmers Green resident Anne Nicholls came to the rescue. After putting out a call for help on Facebook, Anne was able to assemble a team of women from around the borough to help produce handmade reusable pads.

During March and April North Enfield Food Bank provided more than 35,000 meals to vulnerable families across the borough, three times the amount in the same months in 2019. In the first week of May North Enfield Food Bank passed the milestone of 50,000 fed since opening in 2012 - a milestone that wouldn't have been possible without the continued support of the Enfield community and beyond.

Four weeks ago Barry and June Smitherman put out an urgent appeal for donations to help cover the cost of feeding and caring for the animals looked after by the Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) at the Trent Park Animal Centre. With its cafe and animal centre closed because of the coronavirus lockdown, the charity's main source of income has disappeared. Barry says that the donations received so far will keep the centre open until some time in June, but if the lockdown goes on much longer it will have to close, as it needs about £10,000 a month to survive.

Solace Women's Aid need £150,000 to make sure no woman is forced to choose between Coronavirus and Domestic Abuse. To donate £10 text 'solace' to 70191 or visit solacewomensaid.org/give-now.

North London Samaritans has launched an appeal for donations on the JustGiving website. Like many other charities, North London Samaritans faces a huge funding deficit this year because of the suspension of fundraising events. The emotional support they provide to callers is even more important during the current crisis.

Our animal shelter, cafe and shop in Trent Park are closed but we still need to care for the animals without any current income. Unless we raise £50,000 the charity will be closing its doors.

A list of the achievements of the community volunteering campaign set up by Emma Rigby and Love Your Doorstep in mid-March.

An update on the how Age UK Enfield are running their services during the lockdown.