LIMEHOUSE AID
The Royal Foundation of St Katharine is the umbrella charity for local community support group Limehouse Aid, set up during the Covid-19 crisis.
The beginning
Limehouse Aid began when 4 local creative people who were seeking to make a positive difference during the Covid-19 crisis; Alex, Blake, Christine, and Joey.
Together, they sought to create a network and connect the many people and groups that were coming forward with offers of help and assistance. This volunteer network grew at its peak to some 250 people. It was proactive in seeking to respond to the needs of the local community and offered support for those self isolating and most vulnerable.
RFSK’s role
From the early days of Limehouse Aid emerging, The Royal Foundation of St Katharine sought to offer its support. We have a long history of commitment to the community here in the East End and as a significant charity have been able to contribute fresh creative ideas into the life of Limehouse, by opening the Yurt Café and supporting community groups.
During the Covid-19 crisis we became part of the NHS provision for The Royal London and Barts, providing ‘step down’ support for non-covid patients who were, for various reasons, unable to go home. The Yurt Café was also transformed into a much loved grocery store, enabling the local community to continue to feel connected despite the social isolation required.
Building a partnership
As the relationship between Limehouse Aid and St Katharine’s began to develop, it became clear that this was a partnership which would benefit from becoming more established. For Limehouse Aid to access grants and to partner well with local government and other charities, it needed to have a charitable structure, governance and bank accounts. Rather than set all this up themselves it was unanimously agreed and then confirmed at an open meeting that The Royal Foundation of St Katharine would be the umbrella charity which Limehouse Aid would sit under. This coming together is very much seen as a way to give each other strength.
Click below to complete our volunteer form or for general enquiries email us at: help@limehouseaid.org