HELP is at hand
HELP Vega Baja is still providing a vital service during the coronavirus crisis, albeit severely limited by having to close their offices due to the state of emergency, and that is offering reliable information to residents on what support is available and how to access it.
President Michele Masson told Costa Blanca News that they had hoped to maintain skeleton services but explained that since most of their volunteers are themselves elderly and therefore most vulnerable to the disease, ‘their health has to be our priority’.
They have about 70 fully active volunteers, plus more part timers, and WhatsApp and Facebook groups have been set up so they can check in on each other and have someone to speak to, especially those who live alone.
Several volunteers are keeping busy with ongoing initiatives such as knitting blankets for the recently opened Red Cross homeless shelter in Guardamar del Segura.
Nevertheless, she assured that their committee members are in constant contact with each other and fielding calls and queries from residents.
Michele explained that they have a network of reliable sources of information, advice and support, including town hall social services, the British consulate, the N332 traffic group and translators, as well as the CARE group, which includes other charities that may still be able to provide assistance.
HELP’s own Connections Team was already depleted but they have not had time to train replacements so it is currently only offering a very limited service. Michele suggested that people might consider calling Samaritans in Spain instead at the moment.
In the meantime they are trying to use their time constructively by planning for the future, as the charity was supposed to be celebrating its 40th birthday this year.
She was concerned by their drop in income, noting that they gave away €74,000 to various causes in 2019 but this won’t be possible this year, as their only funding at the moment is the €10 annual fees of their approximately 1,500 members, which goes towards the costs of the benefits they are entitled to.
Instead they are thinking about how to make their facilities safe for customers when they are able to reopen. Michele said they need them to come back so that HELP can continue to support those who need them most.
Enquiries should be made by telephoning 96 672 37 33, or email office@helpvegabaja.es or message the HELP Vega Baja Facebook page – which is regularly updated.
They hope businesses will be able to continue making contributions and sponsorships, and the public will keep making donations via their website: www.helpvegabaja.com
DURING these days of lockdown, people are suddenly finding those lost treasures as they empty out their cupboards. How many of you have a Scrabble set hidden away?
Well it is a good game and highly recommended to keep the brain ticking over, whether you are on your own or there are two or more of you living in the house.
In the picture, I have given you a corundum: What would be the best next word to lay? There are a few variations so you may need to test them out to get the highest score. The headline might give you a clue and the answer is on page 31.
Scrabble fans who do not have a board or anybody else in the house to play with can look online for ways to play against real or artificial opponents, for example the Internet Scrabble Club (ISC) at www.isc.ro