Charity details its support for community

Its online directory has more than 450 community organisations offering support and activities to enable people in the Bailiwick to live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives now in this pandemic and beyond.

Before lockdown, its community connectors were busy in the local talking cafe project and its voluntary community transport service was delivering up to 800 journeys per month, taking isolated people to get support.

While the talking cafes and shop are closed, other services continue.

The directory now has an up-to-date and trusted category for community support during coronavirus. The charity has also partnered with bus.gg to ensure a safe transport service continues, taking people to essential appointments.

‘We realise that the non-digital population, particularly the elderly and isolated, cannot all access devices to use our directory of community support,’ said CEO Bella Farrell.

‘To address this we have taken on the Stay Connected project from the We All Matters, Eh! organisers to ensure that the elderly, isolated and vulnerable have access to tablets and iPads, wifi devices and support and skills to use them.’

That gives them the opportunity to connect to family, friends and groups during the pandemic. However, Ms Farrell says this project will continue beyond lockdown as this need is ongoing and it will address a barrier to a stronger, more connected community.

‘Whether it be regular video calls, check-in messages, booking appointments or the Health Connections community transport service to take them to these appointments or simply keeping minds sharp with entertainment, news, brain training and mindfulness, no one in our community should feel isolated due to lack of technology or access to vital online resources such as the Health Connections directory,’ she said.

The charity has also relaunched its Help Your Neighbour flyers and these can be downloaded from its website. It is hoped that this initiative will ensure no one feels isolated from support at this time.

While the fundraising shop remains closed, the charity’s shop team is busy with community mask making and the Invisible Occupation – the islands’ lockdown journal projects.

. To join the free directory of community support or volunteer to assist one of the projects or services, call 707470 or email hello@healthconnections.gg.

. A donation can be made via www.healthconnections.gg or by cheque made payable to Health Connections LBG and sent to Health Connections, c/o Ron. Short Centre, Beau Sejour, Amherst, St Peter Port, GY1 2DH.