New direction for road staff
One Cork County Council employee has downed his usual tools for awhile and is instead helping those in need by delivering food and medication.
Jerry Crowley is an outdoor worker with Cork County Council whose normal duties include road resurfacing, repairs and masonry but his job description has changed quite a bit in recent weeks as he has taken on a brand new role as a member of Cork County Council's Covid-19 Community Support team.
Jerry is now assisting in the delivery of food and medication to those who need it across county Cork.
The Covid-19 Community Support Programme is making the very best use of resources in assisting vulnerable persons with their daily needs at this unprecedented time. Duties vary from collecting medication and food shopping to offering social support and simply making contact at what might be a lonely time for many.
Jerry said: “Our community call helpline recently took a call from a man in Canada looking for help and support for his mother, as he is living so far away. Council staff got in touch with a supermarket who kindly agreed to prepare the grocery shop. I delivered these groceries along with some medication from a pharmacy in Mallow to them and this will be an ongoing weekly arrangement from now on. It’s great to see how someone can access support for their loved ones from so far away and different groups then pull together to meet those needs.”
Just like Jerry, other Cork County Council employees have been reassigned to new roles in high demand areas, within the wider public service and in the delivery of community support services.
Jerry added: “I have to say while it’s quite the change from my normal work I’m finding the experience really rewarding, to be part of a team who are helping out our vulnerable community members at a time like this. We get really warmly greeted at the doorsteps and it’s a privilege to bring a smile to someone’s face, especially now. There really is a great spirit of cooperation and community spirit around and it’s a good feeling to be a part of that.”
Cork County Council Covid-19 Community Support Programme assists those in need with non-medical, non-health related issues that have arisen as a result of Covid-19 restrictions. Persons seeking assistance can freephone 1800-805819 daily from 8am-8pm, text 085-8709010 or email covidsupport@corkcoco.ie.
Those calling from outside of Ireland seeking assistance for a relative of friend, should call +353 21-4285517.