The Limerick COVID-19 Community Response has kicked into action this week, with daily calls to the helpline from those most vulnerable to the Coronavirus pandemic almost tripled from its first few days.
Ten days following the launch of the initiative – led by Limerick City and County Council with the support of An Garda Síochána and the HSE and backed by up to 40 sporting, community and religious groups across the city and county – the Freephone 1800 832 005 helpline number is receiving up to 70 calls each day from people looking for support across Limerick city and county.
And organisers of the volunteer programme are expecting these numbers to rise considerably next week when a booklet (The Community Call) explaining the service lands in every household around the county. The service runs seven days weekly, from 8a.m. to 8p.m.
Speaking today, Anne Rizzo of Limerick City and County Council, who is coordinating the programme, said that they are more than ready for the spike thanks to the incredible groundswell of support from volunteers.
“We’re really thrilled with how things are going so far and in the midst of all we are going through as a nation, to have a response like this taking flight as it is gives great encouragement and hope.
“In the first five days of the service we were averaging about 25 calls per day but now we are up to 70 per day and that’s going to grow next week when a booklet arrives to every household dwelling of any sort letting people know of the service and with all the contact details,” she said.
“So far, we have been promoting the service on print, broadcast and online media and on social media and have got great traction on our promotional video but a lot of people who are isolated because of their vulnerability to the virus still may not be aware of the service.
“The Community Call booklet will do a lot to address that as it will not alone get to the people who may need support but also their loved ones who, in turn, can activate the service on their behalf.”
Anne also said the most common ask of volunteers is the collection of prescriptions. “Yesterday, for example, we had 63 calls and nearly half of them were regarding collection of prescriptions.
“Five were for groceries and a small number also regarding social isolation; people wanting to be checked in on. There were a number of sign-posting calls, people looking to know about other services and information and these are extremely important also.”
Regarding the volunteer piece, she said: “Through the GAA, FAI and Munster Rugby and local rugby clubs, we have well over 300 volunteers already signed up. But then we have had hundreds of more calls on top of that from volunteers.
“These include from businesses who are offering their services for free and we are so grateful to these. Some of the offers are specific to what the businesses do themselves but others are just offering their time and their vehicles.
“This is all so encouraging. Limerick people collectively have put their hands up and said they want to help. It says a lot about them. People from all areas of the city and county, from all backgrounds, male and female.
“We really couldn’t be happier and we are ready now for any spike in activity over the coming weeks and months. Ultimately, we are going to have to protect those most vulnerable to the virus for quite some time yet and we will be here to do that as long as is needed.”
The Limerick COVID-19 Community Response is based at Munster GAA headquarters – home also of Limerick GAA – and can be contacted on FreePhone 1800 832 005 or covidsupport@limerick.ie for support. For people wanting to give their time to the support network they can register on Limerick.ie or email volunteer@limerick.ie.
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