WHO Theme: Community Support And Health Services, Outdoor Spaces And Buildings, Social Participation
Health & Wellbeing Theme: Physical Activity, Positive Mental And Emotional Health, Your Body Your Health
Funding Stream: HSE and Cork City Council
Resources Required: Community Support, Financial, Paid Staff, Premises, Volunteer Staff
Cost: 1000-5000
Description
The Blue Bibs initiative for Cork City came about as a creative response to people’s fears and anxieties about Covid – 19 when out and about. The distinctive vest simply acts as a reminder to passers-by to respect social distance. The idea came about through the Covid 19 Community Response Forum in Mahon just one of the 16 set up by Cork City Council with the HSE and partners in response to the Covid-19 restrictions. Feedback received from people cocooning as they came back out into communities to take exercise etc was that they were very nervous and they felt that people werent giving them enough space so the purpose of the vests is to indicate clearly that the person is asking others to keep their two metre distance. Following a pilot initiative in Mahon and Knocknaheeny blue vests were rolled out with 1000 distributed across the city through various community centres and community groups, with another 250 vests being distributed through the Friendly Call Program.
Aim of Initiative
Who is it aimed at
People with underlying illnesses or simply cocooning.
Steps critical to success
- Effective advertisement of initiative
- Adequate funding
- Community Collaboration with services including Cork Age Friendly
Challenges in Planning / Delivery
- Public Participation
- Distribution
- Funding
Outcomes / Benefits
- Ease anxiety in regards to spread of covid 19
- Got people back out exercising when it was allowed
- N/A
Evaluation / Report:
The distribution was tracked and feedback from community groups came back positive
Contact:
Website:
https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/news-room/latest-news/cork-city-council-launches-social-distancing-blue-vest-initiative.html | https://ne-np.facebook.com/CorkSportsPartnership/posts/-blue-bibs-keep-active-keep-safe-the-blue-bibs-vests-that-help-people-get-out-an/3607580765972127/