Agenda item

COVID-19

A Member questioned whether the organisation’s Social Services or other departments were offering assistance to tenants isolated within their accommodation, particularly given that the Barbican Estate was home to many elderly residents living alone with no immediate or extended family. She added that she was aware that some House Groups had already begun to address this and that, at present, residents were being referred to the organisation’s website for the most up to date information however, nothing here seemed to be specifically addressed to them at present.

The Assistant Director reported that House Groups may be best placed to contact individuals in the first instance. He added that the next update to residents would be asking all to inform if they were self-isolating so that Officers were able to create a better picture of individual circumstances.

A Member reported that Andrewes House had recently resurrected its Good Neighbour Scheme with residents provided with contact details for those who could help with the provision of food and other necessary supplies.

Another Member added that most House Groups had now taken some action and urged others to follow suit. He reported that Mountjoy House currently had 6 volunteers assisting those who were self-isolating. He underlined the importance of maintaining some sort of central register of those who were self-isolating and ensuring that regular contact was established with them.

The Chairman suggested that House Groups contact the Barbican Estate Office with details of the arrangements they had put in place and key contacts for each House. Another Member requested that this information also be included on the weekly Estate bulletin email.

Tours of the Barbican Estate

A Member questioned whether new Members of this Committee were offered a tour of the Barbican Estate, she added that this would provide them with important context to many of the issues discussed here. The Chairman agreed that this ought to be offered routinely and suggested that arrangements be made for both Mr Colthurst and Ms Wright to undertake a tour of the Estate as soon as possible.