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Army provides mobile response units, staffs community center, and helps with cleanup.
The Salvation Army in the U.K. assisted emergency responders, residents and local communities in the aftermath of recent unrest in London and other parts of the country. On the request of the government’s emergency services, the Army’s emergency mobile response vehicles were deployed and situated in secure areas.
In north London, Haringey Council asked The Salvation Army to run the reception area of a community assistance center in Tottenham and Wood Green. The Salvation Army also provided pastoral support and refreshments to those giving professional advice and services at the Tottenham Green Leisure Centre.
Major Muriel McClenahan, The Salvation Army’s director of emergency services in the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, worked the first shift at the center.
“Salvation Army staff and volunteers are offering practical and emotional support to all who require assistance, including people who have been traumatized, made homeless or suffered other loss,” said McClenahan.
The community assistance center will help local people with a wide range of issues—from emergency housing for residents whose homes were damaged to advice from a team of social workers. The center will also act as a collection point for donations that have been made by both businesses and individuals.
“Where it has been safe to do so, and with the guidance of the London Fire Brigade, Salvation Army emergency relief teams have been providing food, drinks and support to emergency services personnel,” said McClenahan. “We are continuing to monitor the situation and are ready to respond.”
Across the country Salvation Army personnel met with community leaders and local authorities to offer support. Salvation Army teams helped with the cleanup in parts of the Wavertree and Toxteth areas of Liverpool.
London, host city for the summer 2012 Olympics has found its image tarnished by the rioting, but Olympic organizers state that they are committed to delivering safe and secure games.
The Salvation Army’s Hadleigh Farm in Essex will host the Olympic mountain biking in August 2012. Read about a recent trial run at https://tiny.cc/s7tes.
From a report by Ann C. Stewart, senior press officer, The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland
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