The call has gone out to create a volunteer force to support those in need during the coronavirus crisis.
Residents will be asked to put a card in their window - green means all is good, amber ’I need some help with shopping’ and red means in need of immediate help.
Parish clerk Phil Gawne said: ’This traffic light system was used to very great effect in Africa where highly contagious diseases were causing major problems.
’It’s simple and easy to use and understand - and seems entirely what the local authorities should be doing.’
Arbory and Rushen’s community Connect initiative is seeking volunteers to help deliver food and provisions to people who need it.
But it also hopes to be able to support those in need in other ways - such as asking volunteers to give someone a ring every day just to check in with them and see how they are doing.
It suggests people could use a video link to teach a skill, host a sing-along or tell stories to those who feel cut off.
Meanwhile, a helpline has been set up for residents in Laxey, Lonan and Maughold for people who are in self-isolation or just need advice.
Laxey Lifeline Group, which can be contacted on 474747, says it has a ’huge’ team of volunteers who are eager to help with shopping, collection of medication, advice, or just a friendly phone call to check you are okay.
The Minister at Michael Parish Church, Rev Jeanette Hamer, has offered to be a ’clearing house’ for those who are lonely and need help to be put in touch with those who can do their shopping or simply call them for a friendly chat.
She can be contacted on 462251.
The People of Peel Facebook page has launched a community support network of businesses and individuals offering to help those in self isolation or those who are vulnerable in the west.
In the UK, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has launched a campaign to recruit 250,000 volunteers to help the NHS and deliver shopping, medicine and other support to Britons in need.
A letter to be sent out to residents in Arbory and Rushen says: ’With the current need to self-isolate and increasingly restrictive measures to contain the virus, Commissioners have decided to develop a community initiative to keep people connected.
’The situation is constantly changing and our work will evolve as events unfold.
Elderly
’There are no experts other than the people living through this right now.’
Arbory and Rushen are seeking volunteers under the age of 55 with no underlying health conditions, are being sought to drop off shopping to the elderly and vulnerable.
They are planning to work with Shoprite to deliver the essentials via their network of volunteers.
And they will connect those in need to businesses that can deliver to your doorstep or offer a meals on wheels service.
Another service already up and running is for people self-isolating who want to talk to a therapist.
Local charity Quing is working with the Commissioners to offer free 30 minute appointments.
Anyone who is willing to volunteer is urged to contact deputy clerk Colin Kniveton on 836454 or at [email protected] or clerk Phil Gawne on 834501 or at [email protected]