“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 STEPS IN TO HELP DURING THE COVID-19 Pandemic

Over the last few weeks, our youth-led FRED campaign has received several emails and calls from young people who have developed new mental health issues or whose current ones have exacerbated due to COVID-19’s impact. These issues include: anxiety (e.g. unknown future, cancelled exams, taken out of employment), stress and fear seeing close friends and family getting ill, loneliness due to their isolation, bad health outcomes, depression as well as eating disorders).

Some have indicated really worrying levels of bad mental health that might lead to self-harming or a long term illness. While most require support in the form of advice, others are asking for Personal Protection Equipment or just food that they are not able to purchase due to lack of income or support from their family. A small majority are homeless, or are dealing with drug or other addiction issues.

We also know that the NHS and public services are currently overburdened and there are few resources to provide young people with specialist mental health support or immediate relief and food. It is likely that this situation will worsen.

Moreover, the economic affects of the social distancing policy impacts disproportionately on young people as they are overly represented in low income sectors which are worse affected, such as hospitality.

Well … you are not alone!

Fred_Logo

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).

We are delighted to recieve support from our wonderful sponsors, including the London Community Response Fund and Southwark Council’s Community Response, which we have pulled together along with in-kind resources to develop this project. We are running in the project in conjunction with our Mayflower 400 Youth Awards 2020. To get in touch email us at RJ4All Secretariat contact@rj4all.info

WE ARE PROVIDING…

Free food and PPE

We are giving free food and PPE to vulnerable young people and their families in Sothwark.

Covid-19 Helpline – 0333 332 4050

Our helpline is open 10am-10pm Monday to Sunday. Our team of young volunteers are here to speak with you about any concerns or difficulties you have and to offer mental health support and practical advice.

Online bank of free resources and activites

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to view these resources.

A secure chat room

Where you can share your concerns, thoughts and fears with others, build safe relationships and stop feeling lonely.

Online competitions and awards to celebrate the sailing of the Mayflower

Meet our Covid-19 Helpline Team

Thirza

In the current situation, many of us are likely to feel anxious or isaolted at times. Although it might feel easier in those moments to not speak, it can be the mos timportant time to connect. Even just to say what’s on your mind when you’re upset can be a relief. I’m volunteering for RJ4All’s helpline because I think it is more important than ever that we all listen to one another and talk. Alternatively, we can also signpost you to helpful orgnisations.

Rebecca

My name is Rebcca 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. This current situation has left many young people feeling anxious and I think that everyone should have someone they can trust to open up to.

Hannah

Desiree

Becasue of coronavirus, there are a lot of unknowns about the immediate and long term future. These sudden life changes and uncertanties affect people’s mental wellbeing. It is important for us to come together and support those who may be stuggling the most during this diffuclt time.

Josh

The Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on all of our lives. This is especially true for vulnerable young people. I am coordinating this project to ensure that we reach out to those in need and offer valuable support during these difficult times.

Marta

These are unprecedented times and it is common to feel overwhelmed and isolated. Fortunately, technology allows us to stay connected and create communites while at home. I volunteered for the RJ4ALL Covid-19 project to support young people who may be struggling to access food and PPE, or who are feeling anxious about the future and need advice and ideas to keep themsleves occupied during the pandemic. Having a safe space to talk to other young people will help us all feel less isolated.