Coronavirus: Newtownabbey residents supported by Northern Ireland Housing Executive

This has provided tenants with a link to the outside world during their isolation period and has facilitated link-ups with local community groups providing groceries and pharmacy pick-ups.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Patch Manager, Jennifer Barr, has found the service really useful in increasing community cohesion during Covid-19.

She said: “Speaking to tenants at this time has been very rewarding. Residents have been able to get queries resolved, as well as being signposted to local businesses and community groups who can help those unable to leave their homes.

“Many or our tenants are managing these unusual circumstances well, but people living alone miss basic human contact.

“I’ve spoken to tenants who are so glad to hear someone’s voice, and haven’t been in touch with anyone for many days.

“It’s very satisfying and humbling to know we are providing a friendly voice and some much-needed support alongside our usual housing services.

“We can also link tenants to local groups, businesses and agencies providing food and basic hygiene items on the ground, and help arrange pharmacy pick- ups.”

One tenant Jennifer spoke to last week, Mr Alfred Gracey from Newtownabbey, explained that the call from the Housing Executive was an amazing support for him.

Alfred said: “I was totally overwhelmed that the Housing Executive thought to ring me, I can’t get over their kindness towards me.

“If I need them, I know ‘Good Morning Newtownabbey’ will help with groceries and any medication I need if my family can’t help me. It’s great to know the support is there is I need it.”

The Housing Executive has also provided up to date information and short videos about their services online.

Visit www.nihe.gov.uk to access this information, or check out the Housing Executive on social media via Facebook @housingexecutive, or Instagram and Twitter @nihecommunity.

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