CLASP ready to help the elderly in rural communities

AS the Covid-19 crisis shows no signs of slowing down, CLASP are preparing for an increase in the demand for their services, and they say they are well equipped to deal with that surge when it comes.

CLASP, the Lough Arrow Social Project, in conjunction with Sligo Leader run a number of programmes to help people, particularly elderly people, living in rural communities.

One of their biggest services is their rural transport which is a vital service for people living outside towns and are without transport.

The organisation also manages the men’s shed in Geevagh, and provides other services in East Sligo such as active aging clubs, and Meals on Wheels.

It is anticipated that the meals on wheels programme will see an increase in demand over the coming weeks as people try to practice social distancing to halt the spread of Covid-19.

Eamonn Haran, Manager of CLASP, told the Sligo Champion that while some services have quietened down recently, others have increased.

He said: “We host active age clubs which have been quiet because people aren’t attending at the minute. We also provide meals for people so at the minute we do 120 meals on wheels a day. This is going to increase over the next while as elderly people are being told to stay indoors.

“Up in Keash we took over the community centre and we run a meals on wheels service there. Up until last week we were cooking meals in two healthcare centres, in Ballymote and Gurteen and both have closed now.

“We have a lot of new clients and we’re bringing meals out to people. Everyone is calm, no-one is panicking.”

Mr. Haran urged anyone thinking of availing of the service to ensure that they include their Eircode, as he says it makes it much easier for CLASP to access clients.

“Eircodes are a huge bonus for us, when people include their Eircodes we can put our route together easier.

It cuts out a lot of problems and trying to figue out how to get around.”

It’s all hands on deck for CLASP, and it’s likely it will be that way for some time. But they are prepared for what is to come.

“Our drivers would mainly be on minimum wage but they’re happy to help out and to continue doing so. We have contingency plans in place. If our cooks get sick then we have others who can step in.”

Now that restaurants and takeaways are closing for the forseeable, CLASP’s meals on wheels service will be vital to so many members of the community.

“There’s been an increase in the last couple of days, it’s coming on slowly. Restaurants are closing and some were doing takeaway but that’s probably not going to happen from now on so we’re there to help people. We are well able to cope with the demand.

“The guy in the office Tom Sweeney, every elderly person in the community knows him and they all just call up whenever they need anything.”

With many clients now unwell or understandably unwilling to go outside in the current climate, Clasp are now offering home delivery services for any who feels they may need it.

To avail of any of CLASP’s vital services in this crisis, contact CLASP on 0719165577.

Mr. Haran is confident that they will face no issues as this continues: “I don’t think we’ ll have too many problems as this continues.”