24th March 2021

Hello Everyone

How are you doing and how was yesterday?  It was National Day of Reflection yesterday to consider that last year and its impact on us.

We observed the one minutes silence at 12noon at our CREATE art group, which we do in conjunction with carers from Surrey, we discussed our shared caring experiences and our thoughts for those who had passed.  We continued to have a reserved discussion at our Tuesday Social Club.

As always please be safe, wear a mask, keep your distance and when offered get the vaccine.  We all want to work towards a better upcoming year.

---

A special thank you to our incredible community

Yesterday marked one year since the UK first went into lockdown. It has been an incredibly difficult year, during which the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the lives of everyone in our borough, with devastating consequences.

But it is at times of challenge that we also see the very best of the human spirit, and the response of our community over the past twelve months has been extraordinary. On this national day of reflection, we want to take a moment to thank everyone in Tower Hamlets for helping to keep our borough healthy, safe, and supported.

And to do this, we’ve put together a special two-minute film…

New community film to mark first anniversary of lockdown

It has been incredibly heartening to see so many residents, volunteers, community groups, partner organisations, local businesses and council staff working together from across our diverse communities to tackle coronavirus.

Through our #TowerHamletsTogether film, we want to say a very big thank you to everyone who is helping to keep Tower Hamlets healthy, safe and supported – from key workers and volunteers to all those who stayed at home, got tested, self-isolated, and took the vaccine when it was their turn.

Together, you have shown that in Tower Hamlets, we protect our neighbours. That we are resilient with a collaborative spirit. That we can come together by staying apart. And that we will come out of this stronger than before.

Watch share and like the video to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone in our community for helping to get us through this together.

---

Vaccine News

Get a Covid-19 test in Tower Hamlets!

Despite the vaccine programme rolling out, getting tested continues to be vitally important. There are two testing options available to residents.

Symptomatic testing

Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should get a test, whether vaccinated or not. Remember, symptoms include a high temperature, a new or continuous cough or a change or loss in normal sense of smell or taste.

There are three symptomatic testing sites in Tower Hamlets and all appointments can be booked by calling 119 or online.

• Ecology Pavilion, Mile End Park, E3 5TW
• Watney Market, Idea Store, Shadwell, E1 2FB
• Jack Dash House, 2 Lawn House Close, Isle of Dogs, E14 9YQ

Asymptomatic testing

One in three people who test positive for Covid-19 show no symptoms at all. Rapid asymptomatic tests are available for anyone without symptoms. They are particularly important for key workers, anyone who cannot work from home, is attending education settings, or live with people in these groups. There are four asymptomatic testing sites in Tower Hamlets:

• 56 Burcham Street, Poplar, E14 0SH (open 10am to 7pm)
• Tramshed Community Centre, Digby Street, Bethnal Green, E2 0LP (open 10am to 7pm)
• Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LS (open 11am to 8pm)
• Canary Wharf, Level 2 Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5NY (open 7.30am to 4.30pm)

All sites are walk-in and appointments can also be booked online.

It is recommended people take free and regular rapid testing twice a week, with a minimum of three days between each rapid test.

---

Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective

Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective and give people the best protection against Covid-19. In Tower Hamlets, the AstraZeneca vaccine continues to be used. In response to recent reports around the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency continues to recommend its use.

The programme continues to be rolled out based on eligibility and more information on eligibility is available online.

Anyone observing Ramadan should remember, the vaccine does not invalidate the fast so please do not delay taking the vaccine – the first or second dose. More information is available including from the British Islamic Medical Association.

The council continues to operate a dedicated vaccine helpline for residents who are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. The helpline can support people to book their appointment or deal with queries residents may have, including safety, eligibility and where people can get their vaccine. It is staffed with call handlers who can speak eight community languages. Eligible residents can call the helpline on 020 7364 3030.

---

We are now recruiting for Trustees to help us to shape the ‘new normal’ and improve students’ lives!

Key info:

Voluntary (reasonable expenses paid)

Location: Mile End, London

We are incredibly open minded about what a successful candidate would look like and are keen that our Board should reflect the diverse make-up of our student body. At QMSU we are working to create an enabling and vibrant volunteering experience – making sure that training, reverse mentoring and support are at the heart of our approach.

We need someone who can: bring commitment and enthusiasm; challenge in an effective and considered way; and celebrate and encourage our culture of support, inclusivity and empowerment.

As an organisation responsible for representing a diverse demographic of students, we fully encourage applications from all demographics and backgrounds so that our Board is as diverse and representative as the student body we represent.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date for applications: Monday 5th April 2021 at 11:59pm

Notification of shortlisted candidates: By 16 April 2021

Interviews: Week commencing 26 April 2021

You can find more information here: https://www.qmsu.org/jobs/trustee/

---