Coastal neighbours band together to offer support during coronavirus pandemic

For some people who have little support, the current social-distancing and isolation measures can be tough. But a coastal community group has found a way to help.

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A group of southern suburbs residents is delivering hundreds of calling cards offering support to their neighbours during the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of the 5049 Coastal Community group’s Kind Neighbour project, residents have already left more than 750 of the cards, containing their contact details, in letterboxes throughout the neighbourhood.

Program facilitator John Setchell hopes the program will help more vulnerable members of the community during the current health crisis.

“The printed cards let the neighbours know who’s dropped of the card, their contact details and that this is a program that could provide assistance,” Dr Setchell says.

“We have a very strong sense of community.

“I felt that as a community we would be able to help those people who may not have the resources through family or friends if things got a bit difficult for them.”

David Cruikshanks-Boyd and Karen Braithwaite, of Seacliff, are delivering calling cards as part of the 5049 Kind Neighbour project. Picture: Supplied

The group’s more than 30 volunteers nominate where they can deliver the calling cards in Seacliff, Marino, Seaview Downs, Seacliff Park and Kingston Park.

Seacliff resident Karen Braithwaite has not had any requests for help as yet, but has received messages of appreciation from her neighbours.

“I had a few thank you texts and a call from a 91-year-old to also say thank you, she said she would keep the notice on her fridge,” Ms Braithwaite says.

“It is important to also be acknowledging and in some small way helping to attend to people’s mental health at this time of socially isolating and I think these acts of kindness and contact no matter how small can help to do that.”

For more information, visit 5049coastalcommunity.com