Hello All,
Have we all been talking exercise this week? It is been a real pleasure for our cocooning members to be able to go beyond the door/gate during this past week and, even though it is not possible to suit everyone, it is good to be acknowledged and given time in the public parks – 1.30 – 3.30. It is also hard to believe the amazing weather we have had for the past 2 months and that certainly has been useful to those who have always been able to take their exercise out of doors.
We can only hope that the information released each evening will continue to be encouraging us all that we are still moving in the right direction for the lifting of restrictions and we may be able to move to the next step in a few weeks.
On a sadder note. By now we will all probably know someone who has died from Covid 19. Their families are in our thoughts and prayers. So too are the families who have not been able to say ‘goodbye’ to their loved ones in the usual way due to the Covid restrictions. All who have died during this time will, like all our loved ones, remain in a special place in our memories.
We are still being asked to issue links to various pieces of information and are happy to do this. Here we go:
Did you see our own Peig last week? – Rose from Fingal –https://youtu.be/s67z1h8O60Q
How to grow your own ginger – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lQV53fD0SU This can be done from April to early May so you should be OK if you want to try it out.
Exercise programmes for all – Jack and Brid have recommended these exercises too – http://www.meathsports.ie/being-active-during-covid-19/activities-for-adults-over-18yrs/ click on this link and then select the link you want to follow. https://www.facebook.com/carmelschaerobics/videos/185821599159816/ will give you a 20-minute session of sit and get fit exercises.
Fingal Libraries delivering – message from them – aimed at people who are cocooning. So if you or someone you know is cocooning and would like books or DVDs, contact 1800 459 059 / 01 8905000 or cocooning.library@fingal.ie
The Senior Times / Age Friendly Ireland – 2 copies attached.
Some great info in them regarding ‘tech’…
…The https://www.ageaction.ie/how-we-can-help/getting-started-kit supports people to learn, use, and be confident using smartphones and applications so they can keep in touch with their loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic. The material can be downloaded from this site or you can call 01 8730372 leave your name and address and Age Action will post the How to Guides within 10 days. They are really good.
… https://covid19tech.ie/ (01-9633288) Volunteer tech helpline for older people cocooning in Ireland
… Vodafone have launched a new Tech Advice/Smart Phone support line for older people. (01) 8731166, open Mon- Fri 9am to 6pm
Banking during Covid booklet is attached too.
Fingal Counselling Service – message from them – ‘We hope everyone is keeping safe and well and we understand that this is a challenging time for people in many ways. Fingal Counselling Service is a community based voluntary counselling service providing confidential, non-directive counselling. We are located in the BASE Resource Centre, Swords. However, the building was closed on 18th March due to the outbreak of Covid-19 and we are no longer able to deliver their one to one in person therapy sessions. This service was set up in 1995. We believe that there are many people in our community dealing with bereavement and isolation and who need support. In response to this need, we have set up a telephone support service to offer assistance to members of our community. The helpline is manned by our professional counsellors and will run for the duration of the crisis. Anyone can access this support by calling 01 8902596, leave their name and contact number and we will return your call.’
If you come across anything that you think would be of interest to members, please send it on to activeageforall@gmail.com.
Finally, a challenge (we know how competitive you all are). Have you been making or doing something different while hemmed in for the past number of weeks? Want to share it? Send it on to activeageforall@gmail.com for inclusion on these emails.
Stay home, take your exercise, and stay safe.
Your Committee