COVID-19 Information for Families and Communities

The ILN are conscious of the extra stress facing many family members with regard to supporting their family during the current crisis.

Some families face a reduction in formal supports, closure of schools, loss of employment and reduced income. 

We hope to provide important updates and supports for you during this time.

                               

Resources during Covid-19:

 

Children:

The Department of Education and Skills has prepared information about Talking to children and young people about COVID-19 (pdf).

 

 

Community Groups:

COVID-19 Government Action Plan to support the community response.

 

COVID-19 Posters/Videos English & Irish, available here.

 

To support the community response to COVID-19 the DRCD have developed a suite of leaflets about volunteering, on supporting communities and advice during this time. Find out more here.

 

Irish Rural Link have prepared a useful ‘Protocol for Community Groups and Volunteers in delivering services’ during COVID19. Access the protocol here.

 

 

Essential Services:

Galway County Council has updated its provision of services during COVID-19.

 

Housing:

Emergency measures were announced on 19 March 2020 to protect tenants who have been impacted by COVID-19. 

 

 

Immigration:

Immigration permissions during COVID-19 have changed. Immigration Services Division has a list of frequently asked questions about these changes.

 

Information:

HSE (Health Service Executive) COVID-19 updates available here.

HPSC (Health Protection Surveillance Centre) – Guidance for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 available here.

Government of Ireland (Gov.ie) COVID-19 – Latest Updates available here.

 

Mental Health:

List of Mental Health Supports from HSE.ie, available here.

Advice on Minding your Mental Health during the outbreak available here

Jigsaw Resource to Coping with the impact from Corona Virus.

 

Online and phone supports: Face-to-face interaction may be limited during this period. There are many online mental health resources and phone services that can help. Check here.

 

Older People:

Information on supports for older people during the coronavirus pandemic.

Older people who have questions or concerns can contact:

 

  • ALONE helpline on 0818 222 014
  •  
  • Senior helpline on 1800 804 591

Advice for the elderly and those who need supports- Advice during COVID-19.

Information on how to guard against fraud and generate trust-Protecting against fraud.

 

Social Security:

If you have lost your job, or been laid off because of COVID-19, you can apply for the COVID-19 Unemployment Payment.

 

How to nominate a temporary agent to collect DEASP payments: An Post Temporary Agent Form

 

On 19 March 2020, DEASP announced that social welfare payments will paid on a double (two-week) basis. You can find out more about these changes.

The DEASP also have a dedicated COVID-19 Income Support Helpline (open from 9am-5pm, 01-2481398 / 1890-800-024.

All of our updates, contacts, links & info here.

 

Find out more about your employment rights during the COVID-19 restrictions.

 

 

Travel:

If you are planning to travel abroad, you should follow the travel advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

 

Volunteering:

Advice for those who want to volunteer- How can I volunteer in response to COVID-19?

 

‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of volunteering – Sensible volunteering in response to COVID-19

 

‘How can we get volunteers’? – Advice on the recruitment of volunteers for community groups.

 

If you are well enough and would like to volunteer, or are looking for volunteers, in response to COVID19 please register with Volunteer Centre Galway.