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Packages of food to be delivered to Jewish people by Chabad Islington. - Credit: Chabad Islington An Islington synagogue has been handing out kosher food packages to help Jewish people celebrate religious holidays during the coronavirus lockdown. The idea came to Rabbi Mendy Korer, 39, of Chabad Islington Synagogue, after he saw it become increasingly difficult for Jewish people to source and observe a Kosher diet during the pandemic when travel became restricted. The Chabad Islington centre. - Credit: Chabad Islington Rabbi Korer said: "Whilst it might not be a significant amount of food, the community members saw the food packages as a lifesaver.
Clara Murray Wise Thoughts celebrating Haringey Pride in 2019. - Credit: Wise Thoughts A new befriending service is helping LGBT+ people in Highgate, Muswell Hill and Crouch End overcome loneliness and social isolation. Volunteers for Haringey charity Wise Thoughts, which aim to create "safe spaces" for all ages, are matched with people who have signed up for regular, informal chats over the phone. Cesar Teixeira, who is co-ordinating the program for the charity, told the Ham&High “feeling socially isolated from the community was becoming quite a problem” among LGBT+ people during the pandemic. “The vast majority of people who use our services are in social situations at home that aren't necessarily the most welcoming or supportive of their sexuality or their gender identity,” he said, adding that many are cut off from regular social spaces and their "chosen" family.