Huge community spirit
VOLUNTEERS have come forward offering their services to the Blessington Covid Community Response Team in efforts to try and safeguard the health of those most vulnerable to the effects of the virus.
The Covid Community Response Team was established by the Blessington Town Team in an effort to assist the vulnerable and elderly during the coronavirus crisis. Baltinglass Municipal District of Wicklow County Council, McGreal’s Pharmacy Group, An Garda Siochana, Fire Service, First Responders, HSE and local community groups are also all involved in the initiative.
The group provides local information and updates regarding matters in Blessington. ‘Hello Neighbours’ signs have been erected at different locations and estates in Blessington providing mobile numbers to contact for anyone who may need assistance. Flyers bearing a similar message have also been dropped into houses.
John Horan, Chairperson of the Blessington Town Team, has been delighted with the number of people volunteering their services to help the Covid Community Response Team.
‘We have placed posters up all over the town. Some of the more elderly people in the community might not be on social media so that’s why we put up the posters. Even if vulnerable people don’t see the posters, their neighbours will.
‘We have divided Blessington into 26 different areas and 26 volunteers have been designated to each area. They will be going out to determine who may be vulnerable and who may need help. Flyers are also being dropped off at houses with the name, address and contact number of the volunteer for that area. All our volunteers have been Garda vetted. If people know anyone who may be potentially vulnerable then they should contact one of the persons named on the posters. We will then add that name to the list being operated in conjunction with the Garda Community Unit,’ said Mr Horan.
Members of the Covid Community Response Team have been heartened by the way the local community has grouped together to assist one another during these uncertain times.
‘Thousands of people have been reading our social media posts. Volunteers can deliver medicines to vulnerable members of the community, or they can do their shopping for them. It’s a great example of a community working very well together,’ said Mr Horan.