The Wheel and Irish Rural Link today announced that the COVID-19 Champions for County Wexford will continue in her role as the lockdown restrictions are lifted in the coming weeks, and the wider social and economic impact of the pandemic become clearer.

Many people and families have been impacted by this pandemic, with the loss of loved ones, loss of jobs and families and friends unable to see one another for almost three months. The mental health and wellbeing of those people who have had to cocoon and the feelings of loneliness will continue to be felt for some time. There will be a continued need for supports to help people back into society.

As part of the COVID-19 Community Outreach, a national programme coordinated by The Wheel and Irish Rural Link with support from the Department of Rural and Community Affairs, our Community Champions have been very active in every county over the past ten weeks. As the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions ease our Champions will continue to support community and voluntary organisations along people who continue to need help and support as people begin to adjust to getting back to some form of normality.

We are one week into Phase 2 of the easing of restrictions and our Champions are continuing to receive calls from vulnerable people who are afraid of going back into shops and are anxious that the services they had over last few months will suddenly stop.

Deirdre Garvey, CEO of The Wheel said,

“We continue to urge people and community and voluntary organisations to contact their local Community Champions to ensure that every person remains connected to the necessary help and supports they need”.

Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link said,

“This is not a time to become complacent. We need to ensure that those most vulnerable who have concerns and are nervous about going out that they can be reassured that the services they had while cocooning can continue for some time yet.”

You can contact your local Community Champions, Clare Ryan on 087 280 7736 or at cryan@wld.ie