January 2021

Dear neighbours, 
 
With the current lockdown and the high numbers of coronavirus cases in London, many of us are feeling worried and might need some additional support, and/or are looking for ways to help their neighbours. 
 
You can find updates from our working groups below, including an update on community support during the current lockdown. 
 

Project Update: Community support
 
Thank you to the twenty volunteers who went around on Christmas to drop off treats and to those of you who nominated neighbours to receive them. We have had some really nice feedback and it definitely brightened up the holidays for us.
 
We are continuing to facilitate support between community members. Examples of how people can help include running errands, speaking to a neighbour on the phone or giving career advice to young people. To facilitate this, we continue to pair up volunteers with those who need support, either on a one-off or ongoing basis. Please help us spread the message and let people know they can contact us for support. 
 
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact us here: 
 

 
Support for parents:
 
We are also exploring some additional ways to support parents. We’re currently pulling together a range of information and resources for parents that we’ll soon share on our website. This can include learning resources or information on local playgrounds and walks. 
 
If you’d like to explore a new local walking spot yourself, the following currently feature on our list: Butterfield Green, Gillespie Park, St. Paul's Shrubbery, Abney Park, Woodberry Wetlands, Parkland Walk. 
 
Online learning resource:
 
Until we share this information on our website soon, we wanted to let parents know about the Oak National Academy. This is an online classroom made by teachers, for teachers and pupils. Their free high-quality video lessons and resources are available throughout 2020/21.
 
Project Update; Events
 
With winter set in and a third lockdown to contend with, we are hearing it is affecting many of our more vulnerable in the community in regard to feeling isolated, anxious and lonely.
 
We are encouraging that before Valentine's Day (14th Feb) you take a moment to write a letter to a neighbour. It might be someone you know who lives alone or is elderly or someone who lives on your street that you've never spoken to before - just post it through their letterbox (no need for a stamp!)
 
It could be a simple note saying what you have been doing to keep positive during lockdown, for them to know you are thinking of them and perhaps saying what you are looking forward to most once things become more normal. 
 
A simple gesture like this might really brighten someone's day. And you never know - you may get a letter back in return! If you would like a suggestion of who to write to please reply to this email.
 
Project Update: Environment
 
Happy New Year from the independent Newington Green Environment Group!
 
We will be holding a zoom meeting on Tuesday, February 16th from 7.30 - 9 pm. 
The meeting will focus upon ideas for positive environmental improvements and the planning of projects to benefit our local environment. 
 
Thanks to all of you who have already expressed an interest in joining us, we look forward to seeing you there. 
 
All local residents are welcome to join the online meeting.
 
Project Update: Improving the local area
 
NGAG is still supporting Islington Council’s project to enhance the area at the end of Ferntower Road where it meets Newington Green. We’ll keep you updated. 
 
In solidarity, 
Team NGAG

NewslettersNewington Green Action Group2021