24 April 2020
In response to Covid-19
How BPT and partners are still serving the community in the current crisis..
First of all, we wanted to wish all friends and families of BPT partners all the best and hope that you and your families are staying safe and well in these uncertain times.
Secondly, we wanted to update you on how things have impacted the BPT Community Hub. Following the announcement from the Government on 13th March 2020 the Black Prince Community Hub closed its gates and ceased onsite delivery both from our partners and via our direct activities and programmes.
The Black Prince Trust has always prided itself on supporting our local communities Health & Wellbeing however during this time, and for the foreseeable future, the Hub will remain closed to the public in line with Government and Public Health England guidelines.
However, in some positive news, to support Lambeth Council’s direct response to COVID-19, the Hub is now hosting the North Lambeth care package storage and distribution centre.
Care packages to vulnerable residents in North Lambeth (estimated 2000 plus households) are key to supporting those members of the community who are the most in-need individuals and families, with essential home products and food during this uncertain time.
The distribution centre is a real team effort between BPT, Lambeth Council’s COVID-19 response team, Brixton Peoples Kitchen, Lambeth Borough Council volunteers and Pedal Me (who are delivering the packages mostly by specially adapted bicycles).
As you can see both the Regal and Jordan Courts have been transformed into a temporary storage, sorting and distribution centre. BPT staff and volunteers spent a frantic few days preparing the site for the operation including covering and protecting the iconic basketball courts, which were recently refurbished by BPT basketball partner Nike, who has shown tremendous support during this time.
We would like to thank all BPT staff, volunteers and Trustees; key housing partner Ethelred TMO (part of WATMOS Community Homes); all BPT on and off-site delivery partners; strategic partners:- the GLA Sports Team, London Sport, City Bridge Trust and London Marathon Charitable Trust; our local Princes Ward councillors; Leader of Lambeth Council Cllr. Jack Hopkins; and local MP Florence Eshalomi in their collective support of this important initiative at the BPT Community Hub
All of the above fully support the Governments actions during this time and the measures put in place to support our NHS and help save lives. Please remember to STAY AT HOME during the coming weeks.
To keep up to date on all things BPT please keep visiting our website and search Black Prince Trust across all social media platforms. Otherwise we will keep you updated in the coming weeks and importantly as and when the Hub plans to reopen to the community.
For any direct communication please email:
- Business and Site Manager – Lou de Waal lou@blackprinceturst.org.uk
- Basketball lead – Jason Henley jason@blackprincetrust.org.uk
- CEO – Kirk Harrison kirk@blackprincetrust.org.uk