Coronavirus update as of 24 March
Advice to Volunteers
Those of you who have been out shopping in Kingsbridge recently will no doubt have noticed that there are more stringent measures being taken, especially at check outs. Personally I am much reassured that our local pharmacies are now limiting customers to one at a time. It is only prudent. I think we are fortunate to live in an area where, for the main part, the majority are cooperating and adhering to the government health guidelines. Our High Street is maintaining a good level of goods and services in most difficult circumstances.
News from KASC Office:
Grateful thanks must go to Andy Walker, who has worked tirelessly to put in place cost free solutions for telephone and IT in a ‘working from home’ scenario at two different locations. We don’t know what we would have done without him, well we do, it would have been a big bill so now instead I’d like to give Big thanks. We need to keep costs to a minimum especially when we’ve had to postpone all our planned events, which are usually very good fundraisers.
Thanks also to our office staff, Helen Baker and Anne Brunner-Ellis who are still delivering the necessary team work from two different places, not an easy task. They are both most essential to keep everything running smoothly.
I know it is a challenging job visiting clients without an ‘actual’ visit, so I do try to offer up ideas. How about a jigsaw exchange? Of course many of our clients may not have good enough eye sight or dexterity, but for those that have, it’s worth thinking about. If your client would like a different puzzle I’m sure we all have some stashed away gathering dust on a shelf somewhere. You could leave one out on the step for the client and they could leave one out for you in return. The image on the jigsaw may also prompt conversation when you telephone, it could recall a memory or an appreciation of a special subject matter. I recognise that it’s not something for all, but we’ve got to keep the ideas coming.
Please keep your eye on the website. We are trying to keep you posted and connected during this very serious crisis. Send an email with your ideas, it will all help to keep the wheels on the bus turning.
Take care, stay well.
Sandy Gilbert
Acting Chairman, Kingsbridge and Saltstone Caring
Coronavirus update as of 17 March
The trustees of Kingsbridge and Saltstone Caring are holding an emergency meeting to discuss the best possible plan to support both volunteers and clients during this public health crisis. We have temporarily suspended face-to-face visits with clients.
Meanwhile, as Acting Chairman, I wish to give you some helpful ideas.
1. Telephone your client(s) to explain the situation.
2. Check if your client needs any shopping and leave on the doorstep for collection. But of course, telephone to say it is there!
3. Let’s revive the ancient art of letter writing.
4. A colourful postcard with a few words on it through the letter box will lift a dull day.
5. If spring flowers are appearing in your garden, a little posy on the doorstep to raise the spirits
I’m sure you will have your own ideas, do share them with us by email on info@kascare.uk or on Facebook.
On Thursday 19th March a list of out-of-hours phone numbers will be posted on the website. These will provide a point of contact when the office is closed for client needs or volunteer concerns.
I take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers and loyal supporters who have already contacted the office with offers of help. We will get through this, it is temporary. I venture to say that out of bad things many small acts of kindness emerge, new friends are made. ‘What doesn’t break us makes us stronger’. I’ve no idea who said that, but I do believe in it.
Take care, stay well,
Sandy Gilbert
Acting Chairman
Kingsbridge and Saltstone Caring