Churches lend helping hand
With the threat of Omicron looming large, a group of Taupō churches have joined together to offer support, comfort and guidance to people in isolation due to the disease.
They have set up the Taupō Churches Community Support Hub and are offering their services to anyone in the community who is self-isolating or facing challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.
St Patrick’s Catholic Church Monsignor Trevor Murray said a local doctor from his parish and members of the Taupō Baptist Church met to toss around some ideas for a support service in November of last year. An invitation was sent to local churches and meetings held to put the group together with the aim of providing non-denominational support to anyone facing difficulties with the disease in Taupō , regardless of vaccination status. Taupō ’s Salvation Army, C3 Church, Advance Church and Church at 109, among others, have also offered their support to the project.
Seventh Day Adventist Church Pastor Phil Laws and his wife Lynelle are also involved with the group and said the pandemic has turned the world as we know it upside down.
‘‘It is this constant uncertainty, that has unsettled so many, that has been the catalyst for the churches of Taupō to come together and form the group,’’ Lynelle Laws said.
The support hub was established to provide responsive, local support for people who are self-isolating or facing challenges during the pandemic in conjunction with services already offered by the Lakes DHB, local government and non-governmental organisations.
‘‘If isolating, you may find you need support with activities for the children, food parcels or food pick-up and delivery, pharmaceutical deliveries or simply a listening ear,’’ she said.
‘‘We didn’t want to shut the gate after the horse had bolted, but be prepared for when it happens, and we have tried not to duplicate other services being offered to the community,’’ Phil Laws said.
‘‘We want to be clear that this service is for everybody – vaccinated, unvaccinated, it doesn’t matter – it’s about being prepared and offering support for all who may need it,’’ Monsignor Murray said.
People can access help with food, friendship, and other practical support needs, along with a video on things to consider when required to isolate, given by paediatrician Dr Belinda Coulter.
To contact the support hub, visit their Facebook page ‘‘Taupo Churches Community Support Hub’’, or their website, www.taupochurches.com.