25 November 2009
Islanders are being urged to set up a network of flu friends who can support them if they become ill.
The drive is part of Health & Social Services’ social care plan, which covers everyone providing community support services, including voluntary organisations, charities and parishes.
“Flu friends will be vital if cases of swine flu continue to rise as rapidly as they have done in the past week,” said Social Care Plan co-coordinator, John Moulin.
Health and Social Services are encouraging everyone to nominate at least 5 flu friends who could collect medicine, food and supplies for them.
“Flu friends can be neighbours, friends and relatives who can help you if you become ill. They may even be able to care for your pets,” said Mr Moulin.
Flu friends are particularly encouraged for people of any age living alone. A flu friends’ campaign has been launched aimed particularly at the elderly but also at work colleagues, since a large number of younger people also live alone.
Mr Moulin said: “If you know someone living alone, why not to be a good neighbour and offer yourself as a flu friend?”
As just one part of the swine flu social care plan, if personal care networks fail during the outbreak the parishes will still be at the heart of the community support network and will continue to work with other organisations to co-ordinate and provide support for parishioners.
gov.je