SERVICES
Monaghan Community Response Forum meets – 12th October 2020.
The Monaghan Covid Community Response Forum met on Monday 12th October to consider and co-ordinate a community-wide response to the changing situation in the county. Chaired by Monaghan County Council Chief Executive, Eamonn O’Sullivan, over twenty representatives from groups and organisations across the county came together through the virtual meeting.
The meeting was updated on the evolving situation in Monaghan by the HSE, the Gardai, the County Council and other Forum members involved in delivering the community response to the Covid crisis.
Messages coming from the meeting included:
• All evidence is that the vast majority of the population is doing the right thing, with a small minority not doing so.
• People continue to abide by HSE messages promoting positive actions.
• The HSE test operation in the county has increased capacity and hours of operation recently and is well on top in managing the demand for tests. On-site testing is also taking place at food production plants and residential care centres in the county on a monthly basis.
• People using single use masks should dispose of them appropriately after one use. Multiple use masks should be washed after each use.
• Operation Fanacht from An Garda Siochana is operating country-wide and people are asked not to leave their county of residence.
• Any journeys made, should be assessed, asking, “Is this journey essential?”.
• The Gardai remain available to assist vulnerable people in the county and as always, any victims of crime should not hesitate to contact the Gardai.
• The Monaghan County Council Library Service continues to operate its delivery and collection of books service, call 047 74712.
• Since the beginning of April, the Monaghan Covid Helpline has received over 750 calls for assistance and remains available, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
The meeting finished by strongly emphasizing the need to promote a positive mental health message for all people in the county. It is acknowledged that we are all experiencing difficult times but it is important to emphasise the need to look after your own and family members mental health.
During times of stress, friends and families can be a good source of support. It is important to keep in touch with them and other people in your life. If you need to restrict your movements or self-isolate, try to stay connected to people in other ways.
For further information visit the HSE website at: https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/mental-health/covid-19/minding-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html
The Samaritans are also available by calling 116 123. It’s free and available 24 hours / 365 days.
Contact Monaghan Helpline by:
Phone: 1800 804 158
Email: covidsupport@monaghancoco.ie
Text: Text HELP Followed by your name to 50555
and if possible please have your Eircode to hand.
Helpline is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.