The St John Ambulance Guernsey charity is reminding islanders that we are here to help during the current lockdown.
The services which we introduced towards the start of the coronavirus pandemic last year have been continuing in the background over the past few months and with the announcement of a new lockdown this weekend we would encourage islanders who need help to contact us.
Anyone who is locked-down or isolating and is feeling lonely can contact the St John Caring Caller scheme on 01481 720088 to arrange for one of our volunteers to call them back for a friendly chat.
Chief Executive Officer Nikki Harrison said: “We know that for some people lockdown can make them feel disconnected and cut off from the outside world, which can lead in to restless, anxiety or other mental health related issues. Just having someone to ask about your day can make all the difference with how you are feeling.”
The Caring Caller volunteers are not counsellors, advisers or health experts, they are just caring members of the community with a positive outlook on life who are happy to have chat, whether that be about the current situation, hobbies, soap operas, gardening or memories of Guernsey.
St John is also operating a free essential delivery service for people who are in urgent need of essential groceries or prescription. If you are isolating and don’t have friends or family who are able to help drop off supplies, we can assist by collecting and delivering food or medicines to your door. Please call 01481 742147 to arrange a delivery.
Meanwhile the Ambulance Decontamination Team has been reintroduced to support the Emergency Ambulance Service and volunteers have been undergoing refresher training. The team was called into action on Saturday to decontaminate a frontline emergency ambulance, freeing up full-time clinicians to respond to another medical emergency.
Nikki Harrison added: “Our community services have been running quietly in the background since the end of the last lockdown in the summer, so we were able to respond very quickly when the announcement was made on Saturday. I’d like to thank all of the volunteers that have been in touch over the weekend to offer their help.”
The St John Healthcare shop remains open for business, supplying medical and mobility products, however the shop is operating a delivery only service at the moment. All customers are asked to phone 01481 729268 to order and pay for items over the phone. We will then arrange for one of our staff or volunteers to make the delivery in line with Public Health advice.
Anyone interesting in supporting St John Ambulance Guernsey can do so by emailing fundraising@stjohn.gg or calling 01481 727129 donating directly at https://giving.gg/donate/charity/54/St-John-Guernsey-LBG
The St John Emergency Ambulance Service has reintroduced some extra measures in response to the current situation. Members of the public will see clinicians wearing face masks and other PPE in line with Public Health advice. This along with the other operational changes which have been brought in over the weekend are intended to protect staff, patients and the wider public and will give the Emergency Ambulance Service increased resilience. The number of calls for the Emergency Ambulance Service over the weekend has remained around the average for this time of year.
