Athlone based Senator, Gab McFadden has emphasised the important role of communities in supporting their vulnerable neighbours over the coming weeks.
“The Covid-19 outbreak is a challenging and worrying situation for individuals and communities across the country, especially for those who are most vulnerable, but it is in times of challenge that the Irish show the true meaning of neighbourliness.”
“Contacting an older or vulnerable neighbour to help with the basics such as shopping for groceries, collecting a prescription or ensuring that they have enough fuel is an essential practical support which enables them to continue to live their daily lives safely in the community. And just as importantly, it is a hugely important psychological support at a time where people are worried and isolated.”
“And it’s not just individuals that can provide support. Resident’s associations and local community and voluntary groups have an important role to play. I very much welcome the number of offers of help on social media recently from people and organisations to assist those who are more vulnerable within our communities, but do be conscious that many of those who are in most need may not be active on social media, so give your neighbour a ring to ask what you can do to help.
“It is probably best not to call directly to someone’s house unannounced, as some people may be very anxious about making face to face contact, particularly if they have a medical condition or are living alone, but do make contact.”
“For those willing to help further, you can contact the Westmeath Volunteer Centre at (044 )9348571 or via [email protected] or you can register on www.i-vol.ie and they will be able to match you up with volunteer roles to help with the COVID-19 response.
“And, of course there are other ways to help – we must all continue to follow the official guidelines to help curb the spread of the virus. Indeed, a good way to approach this is to imagine that you actually have the virus and then imagine how you would have to change your behaviour to ensure that you’re not transmitting it. While we are all worried about getting the virus, perhaps our best defence is to behave in way that would not pass it on to anyone else.”
“The other important priority is to get your information from a reliable source and not to share any unverified info on What’s app or other online groups. These messages are scaring and confusing people and causing real damage.
“Reliable sources of information include the HSE, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, the World Health Organisation, MerrionStreet.ie, the Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan. For COVID Pandemic Unemployment Payment, go to the Dept. of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and for travel, the Dept. of Foreign Affairs.
“In the end, we should all try to be kind to each other, to support each other and to behave in a way that doesn’t put others at risk or make them anxious. I have been struck by one simple gesture that has been growing in recent days, that is #LightTheWay – putting a candle in the window to keep us all connected in these strange times and in particular to show our solidarity and thanks to all in the health service and in other frontline services,” Senator McFadden emphasised.
