"YOU ARE NOT ALONE!" covid-19 relief project
RJ4All, through its youth-led FRED campaign, is deliveing a Covid-19 relief project to support vulnerable young people suffering during the pandemic. Through high quality volunteering, we are delivering a range of online and remote social action.
FRED HELPs DURING THE COVID-19 Pandemic
Our youth-led FRED campaign is fully aware of the impact that the Covid-19 and the lockdown is having on young people’s mental health. These issues include:
• Depression and anxiety about unknown futures
• Cancelled exams
• Being taken out of employment
• Stress and fear seeing close friends and family getting ill
• Loneliness due to isolation
• … and numerous other health problems, such as eating disorders.
Some of our service users have indicated very worrying levels of poor mental health that could lead to self-harm or long-term illness. While most require support in the form of advice, others are asking for Personal Protection Equipment or, simply, food that they are not able to purchase due to lack of income or support from their family. A small minority are homeless or are dealing with drug or other addiction issues.
We also know that the NHS and public services are currently overburdened. There are few resources to provide young people with specialist mental health support or immediate relief and food.
The economic effects of the social distancing policy have a disproportionate impact on young people. They are often represented in low income sectors, which are worse affected, such as hospitality. Well…you are not alone!
ABOUT FRED
FRED is a youth-led campaign, hosted by the Restorative Justice for All International Institute. We deliver social action projects and high quality youth volunteering opportunities. Our projects focus on promoting Fairness, Respect, Equality and Dignity (FRED).
#YouAreNotAlone! #SwitchTheStory #SwitchToRemote
WE ARE PROVIDING...
Free food and PPE
We are giving free food and PPE to children, vulnerable young people and their families.
Online bank of free resources and activites
Please scroll to the bottom of this page to view these resources, which we update on a regular basis. They include free classes, games, competitions and much more!
FRED youth-led Forum
A forum run by trained young people and created to offer young people a free space to share their feelings, concerns and ideas.
A secure chat room & Facebook
Where you can share your concerns, thoughts and fears with others, build safe relationships and stop feeling lonely. You can also join us on Facebook for regular updates on freebies and much more https://www.facebook.com/groups/fredandyou
Online competitions and awards
We are celebrating the contribution of migrants and refugees across the UK! This competition is for all ages and abilities. Submissions can be made into one of the following categories; Art, Writing, Community projects and Drama and Dance. This is a great idea to educate your children and keep them entertained over summer!
We have an online safeguarding policy to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our users.
Click here to read the whole statement
Meet our Covid-19 Helpline Team of volunteers!
Thirza
In the current situation, many of us are likely to feel anxious or isolated at times. Although it might feel easier in those moments to not speak, it can be the most important time to connect. Even just to say what’s on your mind when you’re upset can be a relief.
Rebecca
My name is Rebecca and I am volunteering at he RJ4ALL Covid-19 helpline. I decided to joing the helpline team as I wanted to use the free time that I have to help those who may be struggling during this time.
Anoushka
The reason why I am happy to volunteer for RJ4All is that I cannot think of a better way to contribute to the global fight against Covid 19 than to offer my time and support to others who may be facing difficulties at this time.
Marta
These are unprecedented times and it is common to feel overwhelmed and isolated. Fortunately, technology allows us to stay connected and create communities while at home. I am proud to assist the project to support young people who may be struggling in these difficult times.
Dr GUNJAN SHARMA
As a junior doctor working in Psychiatry I realise the importance of understanding and empathetic care and how this can transform a young people and enable them to continue to achieve their full potential. I have been proudly supporting the helpline team with training.
Desiree
Josh
The pandemic has had an impact on all of our lives. This is especially true for vulnerable young people. It is important to ensure that we reach out to those in need and offer valuable support during these difficult times.
Dr Theo Gavrielides
As the director of RJ4All I am proud to oversee the work of the youth-led FRED campaign delivering this crucial project during such unprecedented times.
Click below for free resources & Signposting
RJ4All is registered with Southwark Council as a food business establishment (reference number “southwark-959326”)
