Framework for Local Authority Community Support Response

Coronavirus COVID-19 Public Health Advice

This Framework has been prepared by the local government sector working with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government; the Department of Rural and Community Development; the Department of Health; and, the Department of The Taoiseach.

It provides a national template for arrangements to be put in place in each local authority area to ensure that all vulnerable members of our communities are appropriately supported as we move through the next stages of the COVID- 19 response.

About the Forum

The Forum will be chaired and co-ordinated by the Chief Executive in each local authority and the membership includes the following:

- Health Service Executive (HSE)

- Local authority staff including: SEO Community Department and Cathaoirleach of County Council

- Community Champion - linked to national community organisations

- An Post
- Community Welfare Service
- An Garda Slochana
- Tusla
- Local Volunteer Centre
- Local Development Companies
- Order of Malta
- Civil Defence
- GAA.
- lrish Farmers Association (IFA)
- Public Participation Network
- Age Friendly Network
- Local Link
- Citizen's lnformation
- Alone
- Religious

The Forum will convene as required. All meetings will be convened and operated in accordance with the most recent National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and HSE public health advice, including social distancing guidance. Technology should be utilised to underpin processes for community support

Purpose of the Forum

The purpose of the Forum is to lead the co-ordination of COVID-19 community supports and resilience, including:

- Working with the HSE, An Post, local community groups and local Community Welfare Office service to identify vulnerable groups and individuals in each local authority area;
- Ensuring delivery of targeted social care supports and assistance to those vulnerable groups and individuals;
- Identifying issues arising through Older Persons Council, PPNs, community groups and helpline calls;
- Providing assistance to vulnerable individuals in isolation;
- Ensuring the resilience of existing community services;
- Harnessing offers of assistance from enterprises/businesses generally; and,
- Collecting and mapping information on services and voluntary groups across the Country to help direct requests for assistance and identify gaps in service.