Red Cross support worker helps vulnerable people in Brighton

Tracey, who lives on the south coast, has spent the past year helping people get home from the Royal Sussex County Hospital, and visiting them afterwards to make sure they have what they need. Now she and her team are adapting their approach, supporting people in the high-risk bracket by phone and bringing shopping to their doorsteps.

“It’s difficult not to be able to see people face-to-face,” Tracey said.

“We know how vulnerable they can be, especially if they don’t have any friends or family around to help them out.

“Instead we’re keeping in touch over the phone. We’ve been chatting to people about the situation and helping them to understand. Being asked to isolate for a minimum of 12 weeks is going to be hard for them. It’s a very anxious time and they’re worried about their mental health as well as the practical side.”

Many of the people Tracey supports are older, and loneliness is a common problem for them. She is also concerned that they may not be receiving the latest information about how to protect themselves from coronavirus.

“Some are very well-informed, but others are not,” she said.

“They might still be struggling out to get shopping. We’ve been reminding them how important it is that they stay indoors. We can help them straight away by delivering food to their homes, and we’re letting them know about local shops and community groups who will help with deliveries too.”

During this period of social distancing, Tracey has been making trips to bring vital supplies to some of her vulnerable service users.

She added: “I was due to visit a gentleman of 86, but I rang him instead. I knew he had no family nearby and usually relied on taxis to do his shopping. He’s quite frail but fiercely independent. I let him know he needed to stay home for now, and offered to bring him a food package, which he gratefully accepted.

“I took him some tins and ready meals that would last a long time. Then I explained how he could shop over the phone. He was so thankful – he said the Red Cross was like a lifeline.”

Tracey says that in these uncertain times, she’s glad to be able to do something to help.

“The thing I love about my job is that I’m reminded every day how doing small things for people can make a huge difference to them.

“Just a bit of shopping, a reassuring chat or passing on some information can really help people cope with this situation.

“Things are changing so fast and I just want to help,” she goes on. “It’s difficult for everyone at the moment, but especially if you’re already isolated and lonely. I want to make sure I’m still there for people and let them know that somebody cares.

“We’re all in the same boat here, and we all need to support each other however we can.”

All over the country the British Red Cross volunteers and staff are working hard to support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The charity also works closely with the emergency services and local authorities and will be on hand to help as the pandemic response grows.

The Red Cross is also encouraging everyone to undertake simple acts of kindness, such as checking in on friends, family and neighbours, via phone where possible.

Since the start of the outbreak, the charity has recruited over 60,000 new community reserve volunteers - a network of people ready to help in an emergency, supporting their communities by sharing public health messages, connecting with others safely and helping provide basic supplies.

These volunteer networks have already been helping with food banks and will have an important role to play in the months ahead. To find out more or register, please go to www.redcross.org.uk

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