Mile to help others

Staff face many challenges at their work ... and at home

THE pandemic has put a halt to many industries as both the UK and Scottish governments attempt to limit its spread.

Nevertheless, thousands of people across Tayside continue to require help and support in spite of the extraordinary circumstances they find themselves in.

Carers across the region are now going the extra mile to ensure the most vulnerable people locally are not forgotten.

Community care charity Cornerstone has said its carers in Dundee are among those who face the challenge of ensuring the people they support retain a good quality of life, while also shielding them from the virus.

Many of those they care for are unable to leave their homes, or see their families and loved ones.

Tonia Di-Ponio helps to support Heather McNicoll, 34, and

Sharon Smith, 49, at supported accommodation in Kirkton. “We try and make the day as fun as possible. Recently, we have had the Nintendo Wii out and we do arts and crafts,” said Tonia.

“Normally we take them out for fresh air and to do activities so it has been a challenge to keep them entertained inside.”

The current lockdown also means that Heather and Sharon are not able to see their family, as face-to-face contact has been limited to staff members only.

But Tonia and her colleagues have managed to keep their spirits up by ensuring they can still keep in touch through technology.

She said: “We keep in touch with the families and we have been doing a lot of Facetime calls with them. Obviously they are used to seeing their family so it’s important to keep that contact.

“They’ve been great with the situation, though, considering they’re normally out a lot and the better weather is coming in.”

The carers have even taken steps to ensure they are ready if they themselves have to isolate with the pair.

Tonia, 24, said: “We have overnight bags stocked full so if anything were to happen, we have prepared ourselves if we have to stay at the house.

“We are just trying to adapt to everything that is going on.”

Carers have been classed as key workers by the government because their work is vital to public health and safety during the lockdown.

But it also poses several difficulties for staff, who have to fit their duties around caring for their own families at home.

Tonia added: “One of the ladies who works here, her partner is also a key worker so it has been a struggle to try to juggle things.

“Cornerstone has been flexible in giving out shifts that allow people to continue working.”

Cornerstone has praised the efforts of its carers, who it says are going “above and beyond the call of duty” to protect vulnerable people.

Hazel Brown, Cornerstone chief executive, said: “I am always moved by the humility, compassion and commitment of the Cornerstone workforce, but none more so than in the last few weeks.

“For anyone interested in joining one of the fantastic Cornerstone teams, there are a number of vacancies with various contracts, flexible hours and relief opportunities available now.”