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Minister Murphy Announces the Establishment of Community Support Fora in Each Local Authority
In light of the further COVID-19 measure announced by An Taoiseach, particularly around cocooning requirements for certain vulnerable members of the community, Minister Murphy, wrote to all local authority chief executives last night, requesting that they immediately operationalise the Framework for Local Authority Community Support and put the helplines and support structures in place over the weekend.
Arising from this, the City and County Management Association met early this morning and the Local Authority Community Response Forum will meet in every local authority area to coordinate and ramp up work to help ensure all vulnerable members of our communities affected by these new arrangements are appropriately supported.
Chaired and coordinated by each local authority chief executive the Forum will consist of the HSE, the council, county champions, An Post, Community Welfare Service, An Garda Siochana, other State organisations, charities and other stakeholders. It will lead the co-ordination of COVID-19 community supports and resilience in each area.
If a vulnerable person needs to make contact immediately they can contact 0818 222024
Services
It will provide the following services:
• Collection & Delivery – Food, essential household items, fuel, medication in line with guidance
• Transport to Community testing centres Clinical Assessment Hubs GP and hospital appointments
• Social Isolation, supports, engagement
• Meals and their delivery
• Garda-related
• Other medical/health needs
There will be a community support helpline/call centre operating from early morning to late evening, 7 days per week, in every local authority. It will be cross-referenced by the Alone National Helpline.
A full end to end service delivery process will ensure clients are identified and supported consistently in every area.
There will follow detailed communications through the Local Government Management Agency/City and County Management Association nationally and from each local authority through its own channels and local media.