‘Amazing’ response to new online community network set up in Arklow

THE community of Arklow is coming together to help to support vulnerable people in the town during the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

‘Helping each other out - Arklow’ is a new Facebook group that was set up by Arklow resident Lorraine Molloy on Friday last. Within two days, the group had over 2,000 members in the local area who were offering to help people in the community during this challenging time.

Speaking to this paper, Lorraine said she was inspired by the example of a similar group in the County Wexford area.

‘I work in a busy supermarket and a lady asked where to find baby formula and I remembered this Wexford group [that was set up two years ago]. I thought we need something like this in Arklow.’ She described the response from the community as ‘amazing’. ‘We had 2,000 members in two days and we weren’t expecting that. I was hoping for a couple of hundred people. We’re a small town but everyone is willing to help out.’

People can use the page to ask for help to collect grocery shopping, where to find certain products and other simple tasks. Others have used it to share relevant information. A list of useful telephone numbers of local services was put together and has been circulated by members of the group. A number of local Arklow businesses have also put the list in their shop windows while some people have posted the list through the letter boxes of elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

The page now has four admins: Lorraine Molloy, Emer Kinsella, Lorraine Farrell, Caitriona Ní Chinnsealaigh. The four women are carrying out the role voluntarily in order to help their community.

Those using the page have been urged to remember to follow the HSE’s guidelines about social distancing, handwashing and social etiquette. They should also be careful about giving out sensitive personal or financial information while the support offered should be sensible, safe and following guidance from official organisations.

For more information, search ‘Helping each other out - Arklow’ on Facebook.