03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Support in place for lonely and isolated

A HUGE community effort during the first lockdown means there is already support in place for many lonely or isolated people in the city during the current firebreak.

When Wales went into lockdown in March, Swansea Council’s Local Area Coordinators (LACs) stepped-up their work establishing or strengthening community networks.

More than 2,400 people came forward to volunteer to offer neighbour to neighbour support and although many returned to work as the lockdown was eased and then lifted thanks to their efforts a lot of the networks remain in place today.

Cllr Clive Lloyd, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Community Health Services, said: “When we went into the first lockdown Swansea had a huge head-start in making sure there was support available for those that needed it thanks to our team of Local Area Coordinators.

“The community networks they helped established with the many people who came forward to volunteer looked different in each community and the ongoing support that has remained in each of these communities also looks different but it is still there. That is why in Swansea we are in an even better position now than we were in March.”

Swansea Council also continues to work in partnership with the Swansea Council for Voluntary Service and other third sector organisations, along with local councillors, community councils and other community groups.

Cllr Alyson Pugh, Cabinet Member for Supporting Communities, said: “This crisis has seen the council work even closer with our partners and I cannot thank them enough for their contribution throughout the pandemic.

“This time we know when the lockdown will end but there will still be people who are vulnerable or will feel isolated and the network of community groups will again play a role in checking in on them and proving neighbour to neighbour support.

“I would also remind everyone that it is essential that we all follow the rules during these 17 days to keep ourselves and others safe and to break the rapidly rising transmission of the virus.”

Shielding is not being reintroduced in Wales but those who have been identified as having medical conditions that place them in higher risk categories are being urged to be extra careful.

If they do not feel comfortable leaving home to shop they can get a priority supermarket delivery.

A list of local businesses supplying food and other essential items via delivery or collection in Swansea can be found here: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/essentialsuppliers

People who need assistance should speak with their carers, family, friends, neighbours or local community groups to see how they can offer support.

If someone does not have anyone who can help them then they can find information here: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/coronavirushelp

The Local Area Coordinators are always keen to hear from people looking to help their communities or who have ideas to bring communities even closer together.

To find out about which LAC or community organisation covers your area go to: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/localareacoordination

 

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