We have consulted with and listened to our service users, sister organisations and staff while managing the rapid changes of both national and local government guidance, ensuring the safety of all remain paramount. We do not envisage visitors or small group activities to re-commence until after October 2020 at the earliest, dependent upon public health guidance. We have proactively focused on the wellbeing, as a black and minoritised led by and for service, our staff and service users remain in a higher risk category of vulnerability to Covid-19.
Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the black and minoritised women and children we support, particularly the women and children we work with who:
- Have no recourse to public funds;
- Are survivors of domestic and sexual violence;
- Live in insecure or unsafe accommodation;
- Have underlying health/mental health conditions;
- Are elderly and isolated;
- Have disabilities or learning differences.
The toll that this virus has taken on the wellbeing, socio-economic stability and safety of black and minority women is immense. Please be reassured that the Angelou Centre is planning ahead and continuing to provide vital support services as we recognise that our response to this pandemic needs to be both immediate and long term.
We will continue to monitor the situation regularly and will let you know if our plans change in line with national public health guidance. We thank you for your co-operation, understanding and support