Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was decided to establish a community forum in Bedfordview which would be able to assist in the event of a crisis, thus the Bedfordview Safety Forum (BSF).
In collaboration with Ward 20 and its committee, a concept was designed to mobilise the Bedfordview community.
Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys described the objective was to establish what resources were available in Bedfordview and the region in order to best manage and mitigate the consequences of any crisis.
“The resources and interventions would originate from within the community and be used to the benefit of the community.”
She stated the concept decided on was defined by is simplicity.
“Initially, possible threats were determined and then required resources to mitigate each threat were determined,” said Humphreys.
Humphreys included WhatsApp groups were then created for each resource required and community volunteers were added to groups of their choice.
“Each group then became a working ‘focus group’ with a very clear purpose and set about assessing and creating resources,” said Humphreys.
Some resources, Humphreys said much like an insurance policy, would remain dormant until they were needed.
Examples of some of the many focus groups set up:
- Quarantine facilities options
- Hospital overflow
- Access to medication and equipment suppliers
- Finding additional of health professionals
- Support of overworked medical professionals
- Educational assistance – stem the transmission in schools
- Economic – supporting local businesses
- Administration – support of focus groups
- School teachers – remote tuition
- Food collection
- Restaurants – post lockdown initiatives
- Communication
Humphreys included various other initiatives sprung up as a result of the ingenuity and enthusiasm of local residents while the Bedfordview community displayed incredible compassion and generosity during lockdown.
Among many worthy projects, Humphreys believes one of the most prominent initiatives has been the food collection drive initiated by the ward committee through BSF on April 10.
“This has been generously supported by many businesses, organisations and individuals,” said Humphreys.
Collectively this drive since May 6 received and distributed the following to the surrounding destitute:
- Weight – 55.4 tons
- Food packs – 7 944 (one pack feeds four people for a week)
- Value – R1 188 900
- Meals – 222 432
An individual effort by a local resident Humphreys said has rallied his family and friends and raised R100 000 and delivered food of this value to the collection point.
“An educational and mental wellness platform was set up by a local psychologist which linked the 450 members on this group to therapists who have offered pro bono assistance to those struggling through these difficult times.”
She included an active IT group worked tirelessly behind the scenes to set up a complex database of resources for easy reference and access.
“The generosity, work and many hundreds of voluntary hours by so many is a testament to the character of the people of Bedfordview and those who have supported this cause,” said Humphreys.
Should any members of the community require more information or wish to contribute to this worthy effort contact Mandy Stuart at storyboard7@gmail.com
