Community Volunteer

Grenfell Tower Fire, 14th June 2017

This tragedy saw 72 people die in the worst loss of life in Britain since the Second World War in a purely man-made atrocity. The fire was caused by cost cutting and using flammable materials which should never have been allowed on a high rise building which had previously been safe until recent refurbishments which rendered the building a death trap.

Many people came to offer support in many different ways and Linda joined the small army of volunteers on her return from Sri Lanka in late June 2016, 2 weeks after the fire, and walked the area to find out how best to help. Initially supporting the relief efforts through pop up 'shops' of donated goods and clothing, Linda also supported Kids on the Green for after school sessions in July and in August, where this much needed park drop-in sessions for arts and crafts for children was set up by Zoe supported by other local parents and community groups. This has now grown into a well-established Not for Profit group with wide support but at that time was an open air mostly arts project, for parents and children, who had been affected by the tragedy.

Linda also recognised the need for children to be able to reconnect with the fire service as they had been traumatised simply by hearing the sirens; and she, David Badillo and the local Kensington Fire Station began to take groups of local children and also families who had escaped from the fire to heal by visiting the fire station and using the water hose and exploring the equipment. Many families said what a deep healing experience this was. Some families from the Tower itself had the chance to talk through what had happened with the fire officers, share stories and sometimes thank the particular people involved in saving a member of their family's life. These visits also helped the fire officers who were also suffering from PTSD in the wake of such a devastating fire in which their own lives were at threat and they were crippled by dysfunctional equipment and communication.

Linda started supporting individual families who had been in the Tower to argue for their rights and advocate them among the mass of confusing red tape, and spent 18 months until January 2019 working to help people affected in various ways by this terrible tragedy.

The Grenfell Tower fire was extremely emotive situation, and had many different affected groups; not only survivors and bereaved, but the local community who witnessed the fire, and then the further community who knew those who had perished and were grieving. Many people were affected by the housing situation and suffered trauma from seeing the Tower from their windows and needed rehousing , but the Council were swamped with the needs of the whole community under their responsibility and limited their own feeling of responsibility to those only directly affected by living in or next to the Tower. Many of the local community requested advocacy to explain why they needed help as well. Attending the Grenfell Scrutiny Committee meetings and advocating to the councillors who were often far removed from the reality of the situation on the street was a very critical job.

It was a joy and a privilege to work with many survivors and be able to help refer people to specialist services, and make changes for them for the better. There were many challenges though, not just in fighting for people's right for decent housing replacement, and for good healthcare and other practical support. As in all major disasters, there always are a few people who exploit the situation for their own ends, and it was not always easy for Survivors to know who to trust. Some poisonous accusations sadly affected many good people... I suppose it's another example of how in times of tragedy we see both the best and worst of human nature.

Quotes from others

Dear Linda
I understand you have done so very powerful work with one particular family that has been difficult for the NHS to engage to date.
I just wanted to send you a thank you for all your hard work -- not just on this case but overall. Your input is greatly valued.
Kindest Regards
Mona

Mona Hayat
Director of North Kensington Recovery
NHS West London Clinical Commissioning Group

In the immediate aftermath of the Fire, many people came into the Borough to offer support, including that of advocacy. Few stayed very long, for a range of reasons. Initially, those of us directly affected by the Fire and seeking to support those affected by it were rather suspicious of the motivation and involvement of some of those who came to assist. However, Linda has more than proved her worth during the many months she has worked here, entirely on a voluntarily basis. I have found her assistance invaluable.

Linda has been able to support people in both practical and emotional ways. She has worked tirelessly with great passion, integrity and dedication to help those in need, and this has resulted in many notable successes in getting the best results for the families in need.

Cllr Judith Blakeman

Dearest Linda
We just want to say a BIG THANK YOU for all your help to me and ***** during this trying period. You are so selfless and a true Christian and friend. With best wishes and love always.

Grenfell survivor