Coronavirus: Over 4,000 people join Hackney mutual aid group on Facebook

Over 4,200 people have so far joined a group on Facebook offering mutual aid to their neighbours in Hackney during the coronavirus crisis.

Members of Hackney Covid 19 Mutual Aid have been putting themselves forward for food deliveries to vulnerable people, dog-walking for those in self-isolation, helpful local advice and much more.

The page also shares links to local Whatsapp groups for each Hackney ward, so people can help those closest to them.

The group was set up by user Aviah Vee Vee Chops, who introduced it by saying: “This is a group for Hackney residents looking to help each other out during the Covid-19/coronavirus pandemic.

“We will be looking to help people access food, complete errands etc – particularly those who are elderly, disabled and/or immunocompromised.”

They added: “No prejudice will be tolerated, and anyone attempting to underplay the seriousness of the pandemic will be banned from posting.”

A number of mutual aid groups have sprung up around the country in response to the pandemic, and a list of them can be found here.

At time of writing, there are 20 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Hackney and neighbouring City of London.

If you’d like to offer your help and support through the mutual aid group, sign up as a member on the Facebook page