Coronavirus: East Antrim rallies to support vulnerable people during outbreak

It comes as seven new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Northern Ireland today (Monday), bringing the total to 52.

For a list of groups offering support in your area, see below.

This list will be updated as required.

Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus Cricket Club will be taking donations of food, medicine and household goods tonight from 7pm until 8.30pm in the downstairs hallway.

In a Facebook post, East Antrim MLA John Stewart wrote: "All items collected will be packaged and delivered to elderly and vulnerable members of the community who are self-isolating or unable to get out of the house. If you are aware of shops that have stock they can donate, please pass their details on.

"If you wish to volunteer to help please message this page privately and if you are aware of members of the community who can avail of this service please message me also.

"This is not going to be a short term thing and other similar community projects may need to run for many months to supply the need."

A similar initiative is being run by Carrickfergus Defenders Flute Band, who delivered 100 care packages to elderly and vulnerable people in the area over the weekend.

A message from the band read: "Chances are, this situation we find ourselves in will only get worse, and we all need to reach out to those of us in our own areas who need help the most to offer help and support. We will continue to do our bit and help in whatever way we can."

With the possibility of greater numbers having to self-isolate, Whitehead Spar has reminded local people of its ongoing free delivery service. "No minimum spend, just a free service for those in need," the shop said. "If you want to use this service we will gladly provide this for you or your relatives. Orders can be called in on 02893372344."

Meanwhile, Whitehead Storehouse confirmed it can act as a contact for those who may need to self isolate or do not want to go out to do shopping.

A post on the group's Facebook page read: "If you phone the Storehouse number 07596213763, we can get someone to deliver food or other necessary items to you. If you would like to volunteer to help with this effort, you can let us know though this site."

Larne

The Rinkha in Islandmagee is urging anyone seeking support to get in touch. "With the ever changing circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, we would like to offer help to the most vulnerable, elderly and those who may feel isolated in the Islandmagee area over the coming weeks," the retailer said.

"If anyone knows of anyone that requires help, please don’t hesitate to contact us via telephone 02893353229 or message us via Facebook."

In a letter to the Larne Times, Rev Ben Preston of Craigy Hill Presbyterian Church praised the response from the "wonderful caring community in Larne and East Antrim".

Encouraging local people to pay heed to public health advice on the outbreak, he added: "When unable to join with a Christian fellowship, I would encourage you to avail of local churches’ live video streams over the internet and while this is far from ideal, it is better by far than the alternative."

All Saints’ Church in Craigyhill will be acting as a donation point for items such as toiletries, nappies, cleaning supplies and any other useful items for the vulnerable and those in need. "We can also forward on food items to the Larne food bank," the church said. "If anyone is willing to help donate, deliver or collect such items, please get in the touch. The church will be open this Wednesday from 10am-12pm to start with.

"To better minister to those who are unable to come to church, we will begin recording the audio at our two Sunday morning services from Sunday March 22. If you would like to avail of the recordings, we can send them via email or through WhatsApp on your mobile. We hope to be able to shortly introduce CDs as well. As part of this, we will also attach the service sheets, hymns and parish magazine to allow parishioners to keep in touch with parish life. Please contact Rev Philip or Lorraine Craig and they will include your name."

The Parents' Council at Corran Integrated Primary School has teamed up with Mrs Bubbles Larne to facilitate a community drop off point for donations to the Larne Foodbank.

Only dried, tinned and packet food, toiletries, baby food and nappies are being sought. Opening hours are Wednesday 10am-3pm; Thursday 10am-3pm; Friday 10am-4.45pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.

"On receipt of goods we will deliver to the foodbank," the group said. "As parents we thought this would be a good forward thinking idea to help the foodbank stock up."

Newtownabbey

A Newtownabbey-based voluntary service is taking new referrals and clients from across the area in preparation for a potential lockdown.

Good Morning Newtownabbey is also seeking volunteers for its service, which provides a telephone call for support to the elderly or vulnerable, those who are disabled or on their own.

"You can self refer, or a neighbour, family member or friend can do it in your behalf," the organisation said. "Pick up a form from the Jubilee Centre Monkstown or by requesting one which can be sent via post or email.

Good Morning Newtownabbey icon be contacted by email on [email protected] or by telephone on 02890 866385.

Meanwhile, Rathcoole Football Club is seeking help in establishing a community support initiative. "Members have expressed an interest in helping the community in terms of the collecting of prescriptions, food deliveries or whatever might be beyond those less fortunate during what is sure to be a tough period of time for many," the club wrote.