Council to scale back C19 helpline

KERRY County Council has announced that it is cutting the hours of its COVID-19 Community Response Helpline as the need for the service is lessening.

The free helpline – which can be contacted at 1800 807 009 – has been in service since late March and was set up to help people accessing non-emergency and non-medical services during the COVID-19 lock-down.

While it had been operating from 8am to 8pm daily, it has now been decided to cut the service – which is run by a team of trained volunteers from various agencies – back marginally.

The helpline will still be available seven days a week, but now it will be from 9am to 5pm only.

Kerry County Council said the decision to cut back the hours of the services was taken as there are now fewer people around the county in need of its help.

“The slight reduction in opening hours is reflective of the fact that many users have now developed direct links and contacts with volunteers in the community and often now make contact with them directly rather than contacting the freephone helpline.

“However, the service continues to be available every day on 1800 807 009 and a text and email service is also available,” said a Council spokesperson.

“The Kerry Community Response Forum reiterates its message to anyone with a non-emergency query, a concern, or the need for the delivery of essential items to pick up the phone and avail of the advice and support which continues to be available.”

The Forum – which includes representatives from numerous statutory, community and voluntary organisations around the county – will continue to coordinate the community response in Kerry during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

“The Forum acknowledges the ongoing support and dedication of hundreds of volunteers who continue to provide an essential and valuable service to older people and vulnerable households around the county,” said the spokesperson.