Ways to Offer Support During COVID-19

Community 2 min read

03 Apr 2020

For the first time in your life you’ve been told that by sitting idle you are in fact, saving the world. But as we arrange our tea towels in order of pattern and colour tone and put the kettle on for our ninetieth cup of tea, we can’t help but feel a little exasperated – useless even… surely we can be putting ourselves to some kind of use? What else can we do to help?

Although we would like to assure all you budding superheroes that by staying at home you are doing the utmost, finest job of the saving the world, if you would like to go that extra little mile to reach out and help those that need it, we’ve listed below some ideas. (To be tried inside the safety of your home or within a small radius, and without compromising the rules of contact of course)

1. Drop a self-isolating note to the vulnerable

This superhero in her own right, Becky Wass, a lecturer from Cornwall, came up this this ingenious idea of dropping a card into those who you think might be alone and in need of help. Although this government initiative is  ensuring many of those cocooning are getting the supports they need in the community - sometimes it’s a friendly touch; a neighbour reaching out to show they care, that makes the difference.

You can download the card here.

2. Donate to a cause

People in Ireland have made over 20,000 donation to COVID-19 GoFundMe campaigns in Ireland. One in every two GoFundMe campaigns started in Ireland over the past seven days have been related to COVID-19. More than 20,000 donations have been make with  €677 donated.

To see check out great causes and fundraisers, why not also visit a website like iDonate.ie, which lists all of the places you can donate to support COVID-19 related issues.
 

3. Volunteer locally

Before considering volunteering ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer? Your safety and limiting the spread of the coronavirus being the main priority, Volunteer Centres continue to encourage people to adhere to HSE instructions on how best to avoid Coronavirus (COVID-19), both in the work environment and at home.

If you think you’re well enough, contact and register with your local Volunteer Centre. The network of Volunteer Centres across Ireland are expecting many Coronavirus (COVID-19) related roles registering on the database www.i-vol.ie  and some roles will be directly related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) support. Other roles for volunteers may be related to helping community organisations to keep normal services running. You can also contact your local Volunteer Centre directly to speak to someone about what is needed most in your own area – more information here.

 
4. Help the lonely expand their communication

If you know of an older or isolated person in your community or family, why not write out an easy-to follow guide on setting up Zoom app on their phone or laptop, and talk them through it on the phone? Seeing a friendly face to interact with could make all the difference. There’s even online quizzes you can take with them...if they’re technologically adventurous enough! 

Finally, credit unions are doing what they can to support their members - if you're concerned about your financial well-being, reach out and contact your local credit union.