Website angels come to the rescue
A GEELONG tech guru has launched a website that harnesses the goodwill of local neighbourhoods to help people doing it tough in the coronavirus shutdown.
The Angel Next Door website offers greater security and privacy than other help sites and is aimed at people keen to support neighbours isolated and unable to access vital services.
Developed by Geelong web and software development company Enterprise Monkey, the website is starting to enlist “angels” and has already come to the rescue of a GP clinic in Armstrong Creek.
“Aussies are quick to help others in a crisis but, right now, it’s hard to know just who needs help or where to turn when they do,” Enterprise Monkey CEO Aamir Qutub said.
“Plenty of people are doing it tough right now. It’s not just toilet paper — they’re facing challenges with food, with groceries, medicines, money, jobs, stress and lots more.”
One of the first users was Armstrong Health Centre’s Dr Faisal Murad, who was anxious to find a webcam to enable telehealth consultations with patients.
His request, as posted to Angel Next door:
“Desperately need webcam for GP practice at Armstrong Creek.
“We are a GP practice in Armstrong Creek. We are enabling telehealth to help our patients. We are running short of one webcam for our medical practice in Armstrong Creek.
“We can’t find it in any shops. If you have a spare webcam that you can sell or rent — please let us know ASAP :)”
It didn’t take long for Angel Next Door to come through with assistance.
A couple of angels immediately offered help. One offered her own, another organised a special urgent delivery for him.
Mr Qutub said interest in Angel Next door was quickly growing. “People register their details, and what help they can offer and what help they might need,” he said.
Mr Qutub said the website’s privacy security placed it far ahead of other coronavirus assistance efforts on social media. “Identity and contact details are kept fully confidential and not shared with the platform users at any stage unlike Facebook groups and other online communities.”