'We won't see anyone stuck' by Covid-19: New website coordinates self-isolation helpers

Businesses and members of the public have been doing their part to help others and have taken to social media under the hashtags #CoronavirusSolidarity and #selfisolationhelp.

Sat, 14 Mar, 2020 - 16:28

Ciarán Sunderland

What started yesterday as a Twitter trend: #selfisolationhelp is now a website.

Building on Helen O'Rahilly's work on twitter, Johnathan Randall has developed a website to link self-isolation volunteers.

The #SelfIsolationHelp hashtag is excellent but it's a bit hard to find helpers near you.

I've created this map where you can mark yourself as available to help.

If you think it's useful, please share/RT - it only works if people use it.https://t.co/GK1CoUHHkb
— Johnathan Randall (@MrJRan) March 14, 2020

The website shows people where assistance is available and highlights towns and counties missing volunteers.

All over Ireland people are offering #SelfIsolationHelp... add yourself here ➡ https://t.co/GK1CoUHHkb

Let me know if you have any technical issues. I only wrote it this morning so there could be some. I have fixed one issue where it was asking for your location. pic.twitter.com/nBDfqhRQVw
— Johnathan Randall (@MrJRan) March 14, 2020

The public's great work has continued as different community organisations lend a hand.

Members of Glenville GAA club are volunteering to help those in need.

Important notice from the club.
Anyone who needs help or knows someone who needs help, please do not hesitate to contact the people below or DM this account. #COVIDー19 #SelfIsolationHelp pic.twitter.com/pU5Y6WISRw
— Glenville GAA Club (@GlenvilleGAA) March 14, 2020

A Skerries volunteer group are helping people with their shopping.

Irish Examiner journalist Anna O'Donoghue has urged people to support creative artists with disrupted work.

Over on Instagram I’ve been sharing the accounts of some Irish creatives I love. Hopefully people will begin to do the same.@Aoife_Dooley @thisispopbaby @juliejaycomedy #HelpingIrishCreatives #Selfisolationhelp #CoronavirusSolidarity pic.twitter.com/nEaChg3HmG
— Anna O'Donoghue 🌻 (@AnnaVDesigns) March 13, 2020

Offers of childcare support are rolling in.

While communities as widespread as Aranmore are doing their part.

Arranmore Island Community Council have compiled information for islanders on the #COVID19ireland epidemic.

Link below: https://t.co/SmiXrEQ5Fz #arranmore #arainnmhor #islands #COVID19
— MODAM (@MODAMremote) March 13, 2020

Times are challenging but community support is essential to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Yesterday: 'We won't see anyone stuck' by Covid-19-Neighbours and businesses reach out to help

Kindness has been a common theme this week. File picture.

The coronavirus outbreak has brought out some worrying trends including disinformation on social media and panic-buying in supermarkets across the country.

At the same time though, there has been a surge in people chipping in to help each other out.

One common offer is to do people's groceries for them, especially for the elderly.

I live in Dublin 18 and work in the city centre, and am able to drop off groceries or any other bits to anyone in these areas if needed. I promise my hand washing routine is v good #selfisolationhelp
— Fiona Frawley (@fionafrawl) March 13, 2020

Others are offering conversation (over the phone) to those who are feeling lonely in quarantine.

I’d be available to do shopping for people in the D6W area if that helped on Saturday / Sunday. Also would be available to just chat to people on phone if that was of any use whatsoever to anyone feeling lonely. #Selfisolationhelp Not sure how trust issues work #avoidscammers
— neo🇮🇪🇪🇺 (@YewtreeGirl) March 11, 2020

Many businesses are struggling, but are still doing their part to assist members of the public to carry on with their lives as normal.

The Townhouse O D’s in Schull Co Cork, for example, has offered delivery to elderly customers.

We're happy to deliver food to any eldery in Schull/ Mizen Peninsula- we won't see anyone stuck!

Opening a takeaway tonight to allow people to still get food but not eat out

Head Chef is currently writing up some simple recipes that parents can make with their kids at home! 🙌
— The Townhouse O D’s (@TheTownhouseODs) March 13, 2020

The Village Butcher in Ranelagh Co Dublin started assisted order pick-ups this week, by meeting customers outside at their cars so they do not need to enter the shop.

Hotel Doolin in Co Clare have offered free meals to the elderly and will deliver to their door.