Published: 11/03/2020 - 17:21
Everyone is aware of the increasingly rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are extremely concerned for the wellbeing of everyone involved with Share. We were phasing the inevitable closure of Share sites so as to give families and carers time to put new arrangements in place, and we were working towards complete closure of sites by Monday 23rd March. However, with the news today about the marked increase in number of COVID-19 cases, we are bringing forward our emergency plan and will be closed from 4pm, Thursday 19th March. We do this with heavy hearts, knowing that our students will miss their friends and will lose out in terms of their learning and development; but concern for people’s health and wellbeing overrides all other considerations, and we all, as citizens, need to comply with the Government’s guidance that we should limit social contact to the absolute minimum. All of our students are classed as at risk, and should be self-isolating.
Most Share staff can work at home and there will be opportunities to keep our garden alive too. We’ll be keeping in touch with our students and their families and carers by phoning and emailing. Each student has resources to take home to help them stay active and engaged and with ideas on how to structure their days. Our website has a special resources section which is constantly updated. Depending on how things develop in London, we may be able to arrange some activities in a few weeks. We’re in touch with other day opportunity providers and looking at how we might work together during this difficult time.
We send you our best wishes and hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and well during these unsettling times.