Local authority-led Covid-19 community response forums have been established around the country to help ensure that vulnerable people benefit from a coordinated community response to the crisis.

Providing non-emergency and non-medical support, the forums are coordinating the collection and delivery of food, essential household items, fuel and medication. They are also providing advice and support to at-risk members of the community.

Relying heavily on voluntary and community groups, the forums act as intermediaries, arranging supports and directing people to resources.

Fórsa member Ann Marie Maher put herself forward when Laois County Council sought volunteers to staff its community helpline.

“We have eight teams of three people working over two shifts, seven days a week. We cover weekends and bank holidays, so it’s a full-time service,” she said.

“We have a huge mix of people from all sections of the council staffing the helpline. I suppose, the one thing we have in common is that we’re all good listeners and we’re keen to help,” she added.

The helpline is a confidential service. “A significant portion of the calls are from elderly people who need help with basic things like the collection of shopping or prescriptions. We’ll then make contact with the community supports available.”

Laois County Council has an extensive network to rely on, including the civil defence, meals on wheels and the GAA clubs. They are all Garda vetted and quick to help the vulnerable and elderly when called upon.

“Sometimes we have calls from vulnerable people who reach out because they’re afraid or lonely,” said Ann Marie. “We do our best to comfort them, and with their permission, we’ll link them in with Alone for further support.”

Occasionally Ann Marie’s team have taken calls from neighbours concerned about a vulnerable person. They then direct the caller to the supports available. Local councillors can also get in touch to follow up on issues.

“We also get calls seeking transport for members of the community with medical requirements. For example, some cancer patients will need a driver to ensure they can still access their treatment. We’ll sign post them to the necessary supports available in their locality,” says Anne Marie.

Ann Marie commended the council and the speed at which it implemented the service.

“It was all set up over a weekend. We’re all working remotely and our IT support and the coordinating team pulled out all the stops and had remote access, laptops and online training arranged in a matter of days. The team really pulled together to get the service up and running as soon as possible.

“There is a great comradery, which really shows the versatility and resourcefulness of the people who work in local government. We’re there to serve the public, in this time of crisis, no matter what shape that may take,” she added.

A mail shot to advertise the service will hit post-boxes shortly. At the moment the number of calls is manageable for the team in Laois, but they are expecting a significant increase once there is a greater awareness of the service.

“It’s so important to get the word out so people realise that support is available to the vulnerable members of our community,” said Ann Marie.

Phone numbers for council-led community response teams are available on local authority websites.