Matharu Here to Help London’s essential workers and stranded visitors

A CHARITABLE initiative is help­ing key workers and the wider community during the Covid-19 pandemic in London.

Set up by entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Matharu, the ‘Here to Help London’ service has provided 3,500 room nights and 20,000 meals to the needy so far.

The initiative is aimed at London’s NHS service providers, key workers, local authority referrals, specialist Covid-19 contractors, those in search of supported self-isolation and foreign nationals who are stranded in the capital due to travel restrictions.

The venture includes the offer of safe and independent living accommodation, delivery of food, a 24×7 helpline, and the distribu­tion of soap and hand lotion.

Matharu said: “Some three weeks ago, I resolved to do what­ever I could to assist the London community and specifically Lon­don’s essential workers.

“I am an advocate of London as the best place in which to live, work, visit and invest. London’s proven resilience, its unrivaled talent pool and public spirited community enable it to overcome difficulties and challenges, as it has in the past. I am confident it will continue to do so in the diffi­cult times ahead.”

The initiative is co-sponsored by Handsfree Group, Blue Orchid Hotels, Integrity International Group and Global Hospitality Services. Its partners include Sa­maritans, Westminster City Council, JUNIUS, Academy of Ideas, Cento Alla Torre, Signature Brew, Optimiser, Stay Home for a While, and various London Busi­ness Improvement Districts.

Hinya De Peña and José Ale­jandro Álvarez, who were unable to return to their country, said: “We found ourselves stranded in Lon­don… The Dominican Embassy sent us a letter from Blue Orchid Hotels. From the moment of the first telephone contact, we felt ‘at home’, and upon arrival at Tower Suites, most of the weight we had carried these past few days was lifted from our shoulders. The fa­cilities are impeccable, and the staff goes out of its way to provide warm and efficient service, even in these extreme circumstances.”

Other services include online tutorials and virtual debates, therapy and wellbeing support.