Under the umbrella of the Crisis Cover Initiative organisations including Depaul, Novas, Dublin Simon, Walk, Sophia Housing, want those with relevant qualifications and experience to add their name to an availability list to cover staff levels for services which may become depleted by personnel having to take time off.
Skill sets
A range of skill sets and roles are required, including reception and cleaning staff, as well as specialist supports such as disability care workers, healthcare workers, and project workers.
Una Burns of Novas says: “Our services are homes for some of the most vulnerable people in Ireland.
“We absolutely must keep them open at this time.”
She continues: “The HSE have issued ‘a call for Ireland’ to ensure adequate cover for health services, and we are adding our voices to that – NGOs provide another opportunity for people to work in a variety of roles in essential services.”
Worried
David Carroll of Depaul adds: “We are worried that we will be left in a position where we must close services due to too many staff having to take time off.
"We need people to step up and become ordinary heroes. We know it’s asking a lot, but it’s no more than we are asking of doctors, nurses, gardai and others who have to go to work every day at this difficult time”
Professor Anthony Staines, (pictured) chair of Quality Matters, the charity managing Crisis Care, says: “Ensuring we keep services running for the most vulnerable is vitally important. This initiative plays an important role in connecting people who can help with those that need it.
Advice
“In relation to staff risk of catching Covid-19, these organisations are all taking advice on safety from the HSE, and will be continually adapting this as new advice is available, however these roles are not recommended for people with underlying health conditions, or who are living with people who do.”