22 July 2009

Holy Redeemer church in Streatham offers 'flu friends' to residents

The Holy Redeemer church in Streatham have pioneered a 'flu friends' network in their local area. Offering to pair residents affected by swine flu up with other members of the church who can collect medicines, food and other supplies for them, the church on Churchmore Road has responded to Government advice for people to set up support networks.

Vicar Ian Gilmour said there are many people in the Holy Redeemer parish who don't have people to call on if they are ill. "The elderly and vulnerable, immigrants and those new to the area often don't know many local people - let alone those who would provide help if they have a contagious illness," he said.

"The idea is simple", says Gilmour. "If someone in our parish would like a 'flu friend' we will try to pair them up with someone in church who is willing to do this. All they need to do is contact us, and we will provide them with the details of someone whom they can call if they get flu."

Dr Justin Thacker, Head of Theology at the Evangelical Alliance is encouraging church representatives from across the UK to contact their local health practice to ask how they can best partner with them to provide help for those hit by a pandemic.

"The church is uniquely placed to provide such a service for the whole community, whether Christian or not," he said.

Why not use Holy Redeemer as an example for your own church to start up similar 'flu friend' networks across the country? 

Visit holyredeemerstreatham.org.uk/flu-friends for the church's detailed scheme and example of a 'flu friend' online form.  Their resources are available upon request if your church would like to set up a similar network.  

Click here for our full analysis of the Government's guidance on swine flu

Read the Alliance FNT articles on swine flu: 1 May and 17 July

Read the Alliance press release