We are offering ‘flu friends’
The advice from the Government is to find ‘flu friends’.
‘Flu friends’ are not friends with flu, but a network of people who will collect medicines, food and other supplies for you if you get swine flu, so that you don’t have to leave home. This is to help prevent the spread of flu and is explained in a leaflet that was sent to all households in Britain (see below).
Click to read
‘But where from?’
Maybe you don’t know people in the area whom you can call on. You may be new to the area, or from another country, or just living far from friends or relatives.
We’ll help
The congregation of the Holy Redeemer are offering to provide ‘flu friends’ for those in need who are living in the Parish of Streatham Vale. The idea is simple: if you would like a ‘flu friend’, we will pair you up with someone of the same sex from church who would be willing to do this.
Our plan
One of our volunteers will get in touch with you and give you a card with their contact details. We hope you won’t need to use them; but if you do get sick with swine flu, keep the card safe and you can then call your ‘flu friend’ for help. They will collect medicines, food and other supplies for you so that you don’t have to leave home when you are ill.
Contact us
All you need to do is contact us for a ‘flu friend’. The quickest way to do this is to fill out the ‘Flu Friend Form’ below. Alternatively you can write to us at ‘Flu friends, The Parish Hall, Churchmore Rd, Streatham Vale, SW16 5UZ’, including the details below. We will then get back in touch with you.
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QUESTIONS? See bottom of the page.
Starting a church ‘flu friends’ network? Click here for help. i
Flu Friend Form
I’d like a ‘flu friend’
Questions
What’s the point of setting up ‘flu friends’ now?
Even if you don’t currently have swine flu, the advice is to set up a network of ‘flu friends’ now so that if you do get ill you will be prepared.
Are we in your parish?
The parish of The Holy Redeemer Streatham Vale, runs along Eardley Road in the North to Meopham Road in the South; and along Hawkhurst Road and Rowan Road in the East to Bennetts Close and Bates Crescent in the West . Click here to see a parish map
Will the church make unwanted visits if I give them my details?
No. If you want to meet your ‘flu friend’, we may be able to arrange an initial visit from them or you can meet them at church. Otherwise we will simply send you a card with the contact details of the person and our church, and information about what to do if you get ill. It will then be up to you to contact us if needed. Please note: all ‘flu friends’ will carry identification from the Holy Redeemer when visiting.
What if you can’t cover us?
Realistically we do not have enough people in our congregation to help everyone even in our parish. Priority will be given to those without any local support and who have flu. If we can’t help you, we will tell you. If that is the case or you live in another parish, we suggest that you contact another local church to find out whether they could provide people to help you if you get flu. You can find a local church by visiting www.findachurch.co.uk
Won’t you catch flu and spread it?
There is a risk that we will catch flu from sick people by being a ‘flu friend’. We will follow the Government guidelines to try to minimise the risk of infection and further spread. Precautions would include keeping bodily contact to a minimum and washing hands thoroughly after visits (see video below).
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What if my ‘flu friend’ can’t help me because they’re sick?
If your ‘flu friend’ gets ill with flu or shows any symptoms, they will not visit you. Instead we will try to assign another volunteer to help you. If you cannot get through to your ‘flu friend’ for any reason, you can contact the office as a back-up on 020 8765 9923.
Why are we doing this?
This is a small way of showing the love and care that Jesus has showed us (John 15:13). Christians have a long tradition of caring for those who are sick. While swine flu may die out, we want to care for those who are affected if it spreads.
Why does God allow people to suffer things like swine flu?
Tim Keller, Pastor of the Redeemer Church New York, addresses the question of why God allows suffering in his book ‘A Reason for God. Belief in an Age of Scepticism ‘. You can listen to him speak on the subject by clicking here.
SWINE FLU INFORMATION LINE: 0800 1513 513
NATIONAL FLU PANDEMIC SERVICE: 0800 1513 100
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