Gardaí in West Cork have teamed up with Ballydehob Community Alert Group to give care packs to up to 200 elderly residents promoting crime prevention and the importance of hand hygiene during these challenging times.
A high proportion of Mizen residents are over the age of 70 and Gardaí from Schull and local community groups have come together in these difficult times to ensure those cocooning are being looked after. In early April Gardaí carried out over 50 deliveries of groceries and medicine per week to elderly people in the area, giving Gardaí an opportunity to engage with the locals. This work continues.
Following the deliveries, Garda Jonathan McCarthy from Schull Garda Station worked with Ballydehob Community Alert to bring about the Care Pack Project, which is part funded by the Cork County Council Covid Fund.
These care packs contain hand sanitiser, antibacterial hand wash and wipes, hi-vis clothing, gloves, a timer switch in line with the Garda Lock Up Light Up initiative, two credit card sleeves which prevents cards being scanned, and crime prevention material advising them of scams and home security tips. Some recipients will have additional items included in their packs, such as books, biscuits and chocolates. These are being provided randomly as supplies are limited.
Crime Prevention Officer Sgt James O Donovan said “This initiative is to promote crime prevention and the importance of hand hygiene whilst hopefully raising the confidence of those who have been cocooning for the last number of months. A lot of elderly people may be slow to come out and ask for help and we think this initiative is a good way of connecting with those people. If anyone, no matter what their circumstances are, is worried or might need a helping hand, they should call us. We are here to help.”
