Services rally to help vulnerable

A free phone call service which tackles loneliness and isolation has announced that it will increase its capacity to help those most affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.

Friendly Call Cork, which is operated by the Cork City Partnership, provides friendship and security to elderly and socially isolated people over the phone.

The service currently rings 220 clients every day to check on them and to provide any support or reassurance they may need.

Friendly Call Cork Development worker Brenda Barry said: “Our team will ring individuals every day to check in with them and ensure that they’re okay and to chat about any worries they may have. We will also endeavour to deliver shopping to individuals who don't have anyone else to call on.”

Friendly Call Cork is now taking referrals and is available to older people or individuals who may feel lonely, people who may be isolated and vulnerable, people with chronic illness.

Individuals can self-refer or can be referred by healthcare professionals, community groups or family members and friends.

For further information, contact Brenda on 087-6366407 or 021-4301700.

Meanwhile, Friends of the Elderly, a nationwide volunteer service which provides a range of social programmes for older people, has urged the public to help stop the spread of fear amongst the older community.

The service said that people should also make a phone call and check in on the elderly, something it believes will help ease the fear that older people are feeling,

Friends of the Elderly is advising that if an older person is concerned about symptoms they are experiencing, they should be advised to call their local GP or to contact the HSE.

Deborah Costello, Communications Manager at Friends of the Elderly, said: “We have increased our friendly call service and what we are hearing on the phone is how scared some of our members are.

“Bulk buying is causing added stress. It’s important to remember that older people do not have the strength, mobility or indeed the finances to bulk buy, so we would encourage people to be mindful shoppers at this time.”

Cork’s Penny Dinners has also been working tirelessly to help Cork city’s homeless population during the lockdown, delivering meals each night to people living on the streets.