An NHS security worker is distributing free face masks and hand sanitisers across Islington, from Holloway Road and Angel tube stations, to supermarkets and mosques.
Oliur Rahman, who is funding the initiative entirely from his own pocket, said that “we need to provide solutions to protect our communities” because “people are still not following the government’s advice”.
Explaining that he sometimes spends over £50 a week on supplies, Rahman added: “I felt if I can spend thousands for my family, why not hundreds for my communities”.
Rahman’s work has not gone unnoticed. He was recently invited to a BAME council meeting, where he advised on how best to share important pandemic-related information with different communities. He suggested distributing leaflets with multilingual explanations, including updates on what to do and not to do and how to get coronavirus tests.
A former lecturer and head of department at Ragib-Rabeya School and College in Bangladesh, Rahman has offered to write any Bengali translations that might be needed.
The 2011 census, which was the first to ask respondents what their main language was, found that 19.9% of residents in Islington did not consider English to be their main language.
Another day out for distributing face masks and hand sanitizer for general public in Hollway road, Caledonian Road and Highbury and Islington tube station. getting appreciations and encouragements really making myself proud. Please stay safe and look after others. pic.twitter.com/siYy4FMKOY
— Oliur Rahman (@oliur76) October 30, 2020
Rahman started his current initiative in the early days of the pandemic, distributing boxes of face masks and hand sanitisers he had bought from nearby shops, before moving to buy supplies in larger quantities online.
He said that the reaction has been really positive, and that he has been called a “local hero” by people to whom he offers materials.
As we head into another lockdown this week, Rahman urged people to look out for their neighbours who are struggling, financially or otherwise: “These are hard times that we’ve never seen in our lifetimes. My intention is always the same: to help the community.”
