COVID-19 Coordination Hub set up by Causeway Coast Council

The hub will receive referrals from Advice NI and the Northern and Western Health and Social Care Trusts, to ensure that the most vulnerable are connected to community support services.

Advice NI offers a regional public community helpline which is available by ringing 0808 802 0020 while the Health Trusts offer targeted support to those in need.

Local volunteers have matched the rapid impact of coronavirus by stepping in to provide essential services, and Council wants to ensure that community responders, along with the isolated and vulnerable, receive the assistance they require.

Since the emergency escalated, there has been an extraordinary demonstration of community spirit across the Borough, which the isolated and vulnerable are encouraged to avail of. This includes:

Food delivery and collections;

Prescription delivery and collections;

Fuel requirements including electricity and gas card top-ups, coal and heating oil;

Social contact.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson: “We recognise the inspiring efforts of the voluntary and community sector which is making a real difference to those at risk, and this new hub will ensure that people benefit from the available support while coordinating and recording the extensive volunteer response in the Borough.

“Volunteers and community workers are providing a crucial lifeline during this challenging time, and Council will do all it can to provide assistance including grant funding as it becomes available, sourcing resources and equipment, and securing new volunteers. Our Community Development team is here to assist, and provide guidance and information.

“Once again, I want to thank everyone who is playing a role in the community and making such a positive impact on the lives of those in need by ensuring they have food on the table, a warm home or someone to provide a listening ear.”

Any community organisation, church group or sporting organisation which is actively supporting the vulnerable and isolated within their community is asked to register with Council’s COVID-19 Coordination Hub by going to www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/covid19 and follow the link to complete the online form. A member of Council’s Community & Culture Team will be allocated to assist registered organisations.

Check the initiatives that are currently registered with Council at:

www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/community-services/covid-19-community-support/community-response-initiatives

If anyone has any queries or needs to update details on the register, they can contact the Community Development team by emailing [email protected] or check the website for telephone numbers.

For more information about Advice NI go to www.adviceni.net/