COVID 19 Response Care Box Initiative

Description

“There was a collaborative response (LCDC/HSE) to the COVID-19 pandemic across the five counties of the south east (Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny Tipperary and Carlow. Care boxes and Overnight hospital bags were delivered to vulnerable persons across the five Counties in May and June 2020. The care boxes (80 per County) provided essential items for those who are vulnerable and cocooning/self-isolating but also communicated essential public health messages including; – Minding your Mental Health and Wellbeing -Physical Activity -Information and advice on chronic health conditions -Supporting people to document their current medications and provide a bag for medications in the case of them having to go to hospital so that they would bring them with them and reduce the medications checking burden on hospital staff if they present in emergency situation. The 80 Care Boxes were assembled and distributed by the Kilkenny Civil Defence. The Vulnerable persons were identified through the following organisations/Forums; -Kilkenny Travellers Health Unit -Local Authority Helpline -Kilkenny Civil Defence -Public Health Nurse (Primary Care) -Community Gardai Care Box Contents: Printed Materials -Chronic Diseases Information -Fridge Magnet (Eircode) -Key information in plastic Ziploc bag with sticker on it -COVID-19 Easy Read Leaflet -Labels for Denture Box – Labels for Pyjamas – Magazine- Irish Country – Memory Book – Crosswords -Information on pets from Dogs trust -Physical Activity Booklet/Leaflet -Library Information: Online services/borrowbox Care Box -Large Box -Reading Materials as stated above -Notebook -Pen -Water -Tissues -Liquid Soap and Sanitizer -Toilet Rolls -Thermometer -Coloured pencils -Throw/Blanket Food: Porridge, Bovril, sardines, beans, crackers -Paper Towels – A Welcome Letter”

Aim of Initiative

People who were cocooning due to the COVID 19 Pandemic

Who is it aimed at

People who were cocooning due to the COVID 19 Pandemic

Steps critical to success

1. Collabouration and Planning
2. Coordination of Activities
3. Linking with Local Agencies that provide essential services e.g. HSE (Public Health Nurse), Civil Defence, Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement, Community Gardai, Local Authorities

Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. odering supplies during level 5 restrictions
2. time delays due to restrictions

Outcomes / Benefits

1. In the first lock down, people cocooning received essential COVID-19 information and items to enhance health and well-being
2. Collabouration of regional and local stakeholders/agencies
3. Supporting vulnerable people in our communities