Vulnerable people urged to use window alert system
Kintyre Community Resilience Group (KCRG) has launched a community alert initiative to help vulnerable self-isolators communicate their needs with neighbours and passers-by from within their homes during the coronavirus pandemic.
A simple idea which has already been deployed successfully in other communities, the initiative involves asking needy or vulnerable members of the community to display the signs printed on the adjacent page in the most prominent window of their house, facing outwards, which will signify their general wellbeing to those outside.
A green thumbs up will mean that everything is OK and no help is needed, while a red thumbs down will indicate that the person in the house needs help or support in some way.
Those displaying the signs are asked to add their name and telephone number so people know how to contact them should they require help.
A KCRG spokesperson said: ‘This will allow the vulnerable and those in need to be easily identified without people having to make unnecessary visits to houses when contact should be limited.
‘These signs are purely to highlight anyone in need.
The person may be perfectly well although displaying a red thumbs down image – it’s not to say that they may have COVID-19 but that they are in the vulnerable or elderly category and have no family or nearby friends who can collect the goods they need, especially as transport is reduced and other help mechanisms and organisations are now at capacity.
‘If anyone spots this in a window then they will know that they need some sort of help – whether it be for essentials, groceries or picking up prescriptions etc.’
If people know the person requiring help and are fit and able to help them, KCRG suggests they make contact themselves in the first instance, by telephone or dropping a postcard – like the one on this page – with their details through their door.
Alternatively they can contact KCRG on Facebook or phone the Caring for People helpline on 01546 605524 and a volunteer will be assigned to check on the person requiring assistance.
The spokesperson added: ‘No one should compromise their own health to help others and everyone should follow all government guidance and observe social distancing rules.
‘Campbeltown and Kintyre has such a great community spirit and we want to ensure everyone plays their part and looks after each other.’