Those acting as key workers at Caring For Life have to be ready to deal with a whole host of questions. Each weekday they ring people who are self isolating in the community, checking if they are well and safe, seeking to encourage them and responding to the issues and questions they may have. So many different questions may be asked, about when the lockdown may end, where it is safe to go for a walk or when they can get back to projects at Crag House Farm.
A letter from the DWP can feel far more worrying when you are alone and unable to have a visit from your support worker, but issues can gradually be dealt with and unravelled. Benefits decisions may need to be challenged and ongoing advice and support given.
There can be difficulty putting money onto prepayment meter cards for utilities, causing real anxiety, and budgeting can be much more tough in these circumstances.Â
For those unable to go out at all, ensuring they get deliveries of fresh food and can eat healthily is a priority. The key workers spend time ensuring people's needs are met, by linking to services or by delivering food parcels. For those who are poorly with Covid-19 or symptoms, regular calls to check on their welfare are vital.Â
It’s also important to just chat about TV programmes, share jokes, even sing a song together over the phone! More than anything, spending some time to simply listen is really important. Some may want to pray over the phone and there have been many conversations about the Lord, queries about the Bible and some asking for help with Bible reading notes. We do value prayer for our key workers as they undertake this essential ministry.Â