Kairos services are in demand

Tests. Those people who have had the virus must not go for a test for 90 days after symptoms recede. Otherwise, you will test positive (a “negative positive”) and create a chain reaction through track and trace.

Vaccines. It is very reassuring that workers are being offered vaccinations. Some have already been “jabbed” – well done, some are waiting.

Linden Grove Abstinence Support Hostel is now operating an isolation policy on admission with a test arranged for as soon as possible. The hostel currently has a waiting list.

Bethwin Road residential rehab has a constant stream of referrals. The testing procedure with the lateral flow device has been well managed with the dedicated testing room fully equipped with the necessary PPE; online training continues as necessary.

The Garden Day Programme is still working on Zoom. We are unable to use the community centre at The Green, Nunhead, for the time being. Meanwhile, across the road, the refurbishment of the GDP’s base at 66 Nunhead Lane is making good headway and I expect to have it back in use by the end of March.

Supported Move-on houses are all full and it is worth noting the increase in referrals throughout the past year due to Covid-19. The Move-on team is now operating a waiting list for admission.

Aftercare Programme. The team at Elm Grove will continue to work on Zoom until 1 March. Manager Jessica Rood then plans to return to face-to-face meetings on a split basis: six clients in the morning and another six in the afternoon. There is currently a waiting list for the programme.

Remember, we are in lockdown. The requirements were clearly detailed in the last News update (7 January 2021). These are still in force – please observe.

• Wash hands
• Wear masks
• Keep social distance

In conclusion, I want to acknowledge and salute the commitment, resilience and innovation that have kept the services running for our very vulnerable and deserving client group.