A united approach to tackling the impact of coronavirus in the Armagh area has been agreed with the formation of a new community response plan to bring help where help is needed.
It will be co-ordinated through the West Armagh Consortium, based at Sherrys Field Recreational Centre, and follows a meeting there on Wednesday night.
The mounting crisis prompted community groups, sports clubs, businesses, church and some frontline medical groups in Armagh to come together to formulate a community response to this pandemic
Representatives from all of these bodies discussed the worsening situation and how as a community they could pool resources and put into practise measures that will help everyone in the area.
Community Development Project Manager Stephen Fields explained: “An initial course of action undertaken by the group will see the drawing up of a directory of local resources, including volunteers willing to help out, volunteers with skills and expertise that could be of benefit to an agreed action plan.
“It is expected that that action plan will include assistance to people forced to self-isolate, assistance for our most vulnerable citizens and the distribution of any accumulated materials.
“That assistance may well include the collections of groceries, or medications, and help to replace fuel such as gas cylinders or coal.”
Sherrys Field Recreational Centre will act as the main focal point for delivery of an agreed action plan.
Both the Pearse Og and Armagh Harps GAA clubs – at Ballycrummy and Loughgall Road respectively – will serve as drop off points and they in turn will feed into the WAC centre.
Said Mr Fields: “All the groups have agreed to encourage their respective volunteer bases to get involved.
“The names and essential skills contained within these volunteer bases will be collated together to produce an overall database to cover an even wider area.
“Assistance that can be delivered by volunteers will be managed through the WAC to maximise effectiveness.
“We are asking anyone if they would like to volunteer or help in any way possible to contact either of the following numbers – 028 3752 2579 or 077 6381 8393 or 077 5994 9314.
“There will also be a Go Fund Me Page set up on Facebook for anyone wishing to give financial assistance.”
Anyone who can help is asked to indicate their willingness and details by contacting the West Armagh Consortium Facebook page.
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