Supports continue for those in need across the region

The new strain of Covid-19, as well as the increasing colder weather and busier shops, means some people are choosing to limit how frequently they leave their homes or interact with others. For older and vulnerable Mitchelstown and Ballyhoura area residents making this choice, a variety of support services are available across the region.

For those that are choosing to stay at home and would like to have regular contact with someone either on the phone, or to call at a set time each week, the BRS Befriending Service is available.

Gerard O’Connor, coordinator of the service in North Cork, spoke to TheAvondhu about the valuable things the group does for people living alone throughout the region. With employees, volunteers and CE workers, the group are busy and committed.

“We call to the client weekly at a pre-arranged time every week, and it’s always the same Befriender who visits, so there is a rapport and a friendship built.”

The Befriending Service can do shopping for, or with, the client, and transactions of money are approved by Gerard, and receipted at two stages so there is full accountability. The security and trust of the client is of paramount importance.

“We can take the shopping list and do the shopping for a client, or accompany anyone who wants to walk to the shops and have a look around and go for a coffee afterwards.”

“All our Befrienders are fully interviewed in advance, garda vetted and trained before they go out. All our visits are done by people who are fully vaccinated, wear masks throughout, and maintain the two-metre distance. Of course, if people prefer, we can instead call the client weekly on the phone instead, if they would prefer to have a chat without us visiting the home.”

The group can be contacted directly by anyone who would like to use the Befriending service, or they take referrals from neighbours, relatives, healthcare workers, and similar. The service is available across the Ballyhoura district, in North Cork and East Limerick.

People in North Cork can contact Ger O’Connor on 0863216825, and people in East Limerick are asked to call Kay Kennedy on 086-7754202.

Ger also welcomes any volunteers who want to get involved to give him a bell. “We’re always looking for volunteers and CE workers. So if you like to talk to people and give some of your time, please let me know!”

SOCIAL HUB

In Mitchelstown, the Social Hub is an active network of retired and older residents, providing social activities either in-person or over Zoom. The group meets in three different formats on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings in the Town Hall on Thomas Street. Activities are varied, and include yoga, Singing for the Brain and painting classes.

New members are always welcome and to get involved, call Hannah Casey on 086-0566385 or Kathleen Griffin on 086-2469524.

HANDYMAN SERVICE

For anyone living at home who is having some diffictulty with small repair or maintenance jobs, help is at hand through the Ballyhoura CLG and the Avondhu Blackwater Partnership. Both organisations provide a handyman service for those that need it.

Avondhu Blackwater Partnership’s helpline is 022-46580, and for Ballyhoura CLG, you can contact their Mitchelstown office on 025-85213.

Many shops in towns and villages offer a delivery service of food, clothes and other services. Furthermore, Cork County Council has a dedicated free Community Call Helpline, which will hel with the delivery and collection of essential items and other supports.

The number is 1800 805 819 or 021-4285517. Lines are open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.

You can also email them at covidsupport@corkcoco.ie or text (085) 8709010.