Helplines set up by city and county councils
Dedicated freephone helplines have been set up by Cork city and county councils to help with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The two helplines will be running seven days a week with information, advice and support for people during these unprecedented times.
Cork County Council’s helpline can be contacted on 1800-805819 with lines open from 8am-8pm seven days a week. People can also email covidsupport@corkcoco.ie or text 085-8709010.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, explained: “There are a number of agencies currently doing excellent work in delivering care to older and vulnerable people from community gardaí, HSE and An Post to NGOs like Alone, Meals on Wheels, Volunteer Ireland, GAA and many more.
“These groups are currently operating independently of each other and Cork County Council’s role is to provide a targeted, integrated and coordinated approach to the delivery of these much needed services to our more vulnerable citizens across the county during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Mayor of Cork Cllr Ian Doyle, welcomed the move adding that Cork County Council is perfectly placed to mobilise the community coordination needed and to bridge any gaps that might otherwise occur.
He added: “We can facilitate collaboration between the many groups doing outstanding work to help meet the needs of all of our most vulnerable community members during these challenging times.”
Meanwhile a Covid-19 Community Response Forum (CRF) has been put in place in Cork city which will be coordinated by Cork City Council.
It’s a dedicated community support helpline on 1800-222226 runs from 9am-5pm seven days a week to ensure that vulnerable members of the community or those living alone can access deliveries of groceries, medicine and fuels and can avail of social care supports. Support can also be accessed via covidsupport@corkcity.ie.
Lord Mayor Cllr John Sheehan said: “Cork City Council wants to ensure the health and wellbeing of everyone in our city and so I am urging everyone to stay safe and follow all the stay home, physical distancing, hand hygiene and coughing etiquette advice from HSE Public Health. Doing this can be particularly hard on our most vulnerable, some of whom are particularly isolated already and this is where the Cork City Covid-19 CRF comes in to bring some support to those at greatest risk at these times.”