Covid Community Response, a new national support helpline, has been launched to bring communities together to help those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic. Anyone who needs assistance, from individuals who need help with groceries or prescriptions, to community organisations requiring support with their own activities, can contact the helpline by text (086 180 0256 ) or phone (021 237 7809 ).
“Our helpline is a very big step forward – we have managed to set up a professional helpline operated entirely by volunteers," said process engineer Danny O’Donovan, one of the team behind the initiative. "As we know, many communities are doing extraordinary work around the country, and we are just adding to this by creating a coordinated system to make sure nobody is without support. Our helpline is available between 9am and 9pm, and volunteers can register at any time on our website.’"
The Covid Community Response team was set up in an effort to help coordinate ongoing national and local community initiatives in the fight against Covid-19, standardising communication and campaigns, as well as sharing resources. They have been working with both individuals and organisations in coordinating volunteers and assisting those in need of support at this time.
CCR’s website will give people an opportunity to register as volunteers, giving access to support from a network of individuals working together within the communities. CCR’s fundraiser will see all proceeds going towards direct costs, including food, sanitary products, and supplies needed by those most affected by Covid-19. CCR is working closely with organisations which are currently operating in the community but, due to extreme pressures, needs more support at this time.
Communications and marketing manager Séamus Ó Fátharta said: "This challenge extends beyond the valiant efforts of our front line staff and rests on our collective doorstep. A coordinated community response may seem secondary to the challenges faced by those on the front line, but it will make all the difference. It is important to reiterate that everyone can help; people who can deliver supplies to the elderly are as important as medical staff at this time."
Anyone who would like to become involved with Covid Community Response, can do so by visiting CovidCommunityResponse.ie and register. Volunteering opportunities are available to everyone. People and campaigns that might benefit from the Covid Community Response initiative can also get in touch though the website.
