Health Connections ‘stepping up work’
HEALTH CONNECTIONS is reminding people that it is still there to help them live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives, despite the coronavirus crisis.
‘Like all of our partners we are stepping up to support the community at this time and our primary focus is connecting the community to support and information that matters to them,’ said its chief executive Bella Farrell.
It has created a new category within its online directory called ‘Coronavirus – Community Support’, collating details of all the special services/support being offered and adapted in response to the pandemic. [healthconnections.gg/coronavirus-community-support]
The ‘Meet Your Neighbour’ leaflets have been adapted and distributed to every household to help people stay connected and support their neighbours.
Copies can also be downloaded from the website.
Community connectors and link workers are taking calls on 707470 and emails at hello@healthconnections.gg. This directs people to correct and current information. Information from the States can be sent via the post or relayed by phone.
They can also direct people to practical help such as deliveries of food and other supplies.
‘We have boosted the additional telephone support on 747227 to ensure the non-digital population are up to date with the latest gov.gg/coronavirus information and guidelines and will partner with IT initiatives to support this population,’ said Ms Farrell.
Subject to Public Health advice, Health Connections is adapting the transport service so that it transports shopping, medication, parcels, books, puzzles etc. It is currently partnered with estate agent Swoffers, who have 20 vehicles and drivers. More volunteer drivers would be welcome.
‘Many of our current drivers who are older than 65 will be asked to offer telephone befriending roles to ensure continuity of social contact to their regular passengers who would welcome that,’ said Ms Farrell. ‘Those chats which usually take place in the car will be very welcome to both from what we can tell.’ [email: carservice@healthconnections.gg]
The off-island team will continue to support those going off island for treatment and care and those who have had their appointments cancelled.
n Anyone wanting to volunteer, partner or sponsor should email bella@healthconnections.gg
