Neighbourhoods urged to prepare for Omicron

Support networks can secure access to food and help

With the possibility of many people self-isolating over the coming months, Neighbourhood Support New Zealand wants to highlight a few key things we can all do to make sure we are best prepared at home and in our neighbourhoods.

Chief executive Tess Casey says, “There’s every chance that over the next while people could find that their usual support networks, such as family and friends, may not be available to help in the case of required self-isolation.”

She suggests this is where a neighbourhood support group will come in very handy and implores communities to think about establishing one for their neighbourhood if they have not done so already.

A neighbourhood support group can help people establish networks within their communities so they are never short of someone to help with errands outside the home, such as picking up groceries or walking the dog. Neighbourhood Support has collated an extensive range of resources to help communities and individuals in their preparations and planning.

“We have many resources available to our member communities, such as our ‘Neighbourhood Plan’ document and our ‘Kia Ora Neighbour’ flyer — a simple flyer that is able to be printed off, filled in, and popped into you neighbours’ letterboxes as a friendly reminder that you are available to help as needed.”

In addition to neighbourhood planning, the not-forprofit organisation has also asked everyone to be mindful of whether they have an adequate emergency kit.

“It’s never a bad thing to have on hand and now is a good time to get yours updated,” said Casey, “and in the spirit of supporting your neighbours, perhaps there’s someone on your street who you could offer to help put one together for?”

An Omicron-ready home kit might include things such as repeats of any essential medications, pain relievers, a thermometer, easy meals, perhaps some additional vitamin C & D, and simple things like tissues and cleaning products.

And what should one do if they find themselves in selfisolation at home? Casey encourages, “There’s lots of great health advice out there but it’s also important to stay connected and reach out for help if you need it.”

We all know social connection is a fundamental human need and Neighbourhood Support are encouraging people to make sure they have someone who they can check in with each day. This can be taken a step further by thinking about those in your community and offering to be a ‘check-in buddy’ for someone.

Neighbourhood Support is a nationwide community-led movement that brings people together to create safe and resilient communities. More than 220,000 households are part of its growing network. Neighbourhood Support works alongside NZ Police and other partners to equip neighbourhoods to improve safety, be prepared for emergencies and support one another.