Streatham church offers 'flu friends' to residents (From Streatham Guardian)

Mexican swine flu: Streatham church offers 'flu friends' to residents

2:30pm Tuesday 19th May 2009 in News By Matt Watts

Streatham residents who fear they may have contracted swine flu can get help from the church.

The Holy Redeemer in Streatham believes it is the first church in the country to offer a “flu friends” service to take medicines, food and other supplies to people in their parish who suspect they have the H1N1 virus, to stop them going out and spreading it.

Vicar Ian Gilmour said the church in Churchmore Road was responding to Government advice for people to set up support networks.

He said: “There are a lot of people living in our parish who just haven’t got 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.”

To request a flu friend from the Holy Redeemer Church, fill out a contact form at holyredeemerstreatham.org.uk/flu-friends or write to Flu Friends, The Parish Hall, Churchmore Road, Streatham, SW16 5UZ.

• For information on health services, see our Local Information section