Age Concern meetings go ahead despite Covid
WHILE many older islanders are shielding from Covid, Age Concern is pushing ahead with its weekly meetings.
The charity organises several weekly meetings at different locations around the island.
And while Covid numbers are rising, the Vale meeting at the douzaine room went ahead yesterday with about 30 older islanders attending to play bingo after what has been a lonely festive period for some.
Vale Centre manager Rosie Henderson said it was important to bring the Age Concern Group together after the holidays, with extra care taken to protect everyone against Covid.
‘Here at Age Concern, everyone looks after everyone else after the holidays. It’s like an extended family,’ she said.
Although approximately 30 retirees were gathered around mugs of coffee and tea to talk and play bingo, Mrs Henderson many were sheltering at home due to concerns about the pandemic.
‘Under the circumstances, there are a lot of people sheltering at home who think it’s foolish to be out while there are so many cases on the island,’ she said.
While the unusual circumstances persist, Mrs Henderson said the community can help by picking up the phone and calling to check on elderly friends and family.
‘The best thing to do is phone a friend and keep phoning,’ she said.
Age Concern Guernsey chairman David Inglis said all its meetings would take place this week.
‘We are encouraging members to follow the States of Guernsey’s most recent advice to minimise the spread of Covid,’ he said.
‘In particular, we are recommending members take a lateral flow test before coming to each meeting. We encourage the use of masks on buses and at our centres in line with the States’ strong recommendation where appropriate.’
Mr Inglis emphasised the importance of carrying on with Age Concern meetings, as they provide important opportunities to socialise and engage with other people to help maintain a higher quality of life.
‘Socialising is very important for the elderly – it’s the whole basis of the centres. It’s very important to get people out of their homes and around other people,’ he said.
‘For some, Christmas may have been a very lonely period, and I hope we get lots of people who can come out this week and socialise. We want to reassure everyone that we are open this week, and drivers will be out collecting people who want to come.’
