Community Task Force moves into next phase

14 July 2020

The work of the Community Task Force - which coordinated support for Islanders during lockdown – will now be incorporated into the Government’s usual work.

The Community Task Force brought together the help and support available from Government, the Parishes, the voluntary and community sector and local businesses through the Connect Me service.

Since it was launched at the end of March, the Task Force has:

Responded to over 350 requests for support through the Connect Me portal
Recruited over 3400 volunteers through the Connect Me portal
Worked with Caring Cooks, Meals on Wheels and Age Concern to deliver an average of roughly 1200 hot meals per week
Supported Islanders who were advised to shield by coordinating GP letters and phone calls, and working with parishes
Offered housing advice and support to 198 individuals and families
Established new ways to fund community support in response to COVID-19

As the Island exits lockdown, the work of Community Task Force will be incorporated into the Government’s day-to-day work. This will include providing support through a Financial Impact Action Group, restarting Closer to Home, continuing the Connect Me service and building on the partnerships that have been developed during lockdown.

Paul McGinnety, Director of Local Services, said: “The Community Task Force has shown exactly what we can achieve when we collaborate with parishes and the voluntary and community sector. Thankfully, as lockdown has eased, we’re now in a position to re-consider the role of The Community Task Force.

“However, we will be taking forward the partnerships we’ve developed and the momentum we’ve gained, and incorporating it into our businesses as usual. This will include our ‘Closer to Home’ events, which were put on hold due to the pandemic.”

Malcolm Ferey, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Jersey, who leads the Task Force, said: “The Community Task force was born out of a recognition that lockdown was likely to cause an increased need for support, especially for vulnerable Islanders.

“I’m proud to have worked with so many wonderful organisations, and I’m very grateful to all the individuals and businesses who have volunteered their time and resources to respond in the Island’s hour of need.

“We are aware of the potential for a considerable fallout from this crisis and so going forward, a Financial Impact Action Group has been formed to help shield our community from the worst of the issues affecting personal finances that are likely to follow in the coming months.”