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Islanders have been creating and distributing 'help forms' so that elderly and self-isolating neighbours can get the support they need during the covid-19 outbreak.
Claire O’Connell is among those championing the idea, and hopes to be able to reach as many people as possible.
She also created a Facebook group, ‘Coronavirus Jersey – Acts of kindness’, which over 3,000 islanders have joined since Saturday.
Pictured: 3,000 islanders have joined the group created by Ms O'Connell.
She told Express she thought of the idea after browsing Facebook on Saturday night and “seeing people being frustrated with the lack of items on shelves, but no solutions being offered.”
“I thought I would create a group for acts of kindness during these difficult and uncertain times, to add some positivity to our community.
“I raise my son to be kind and I believe it is up to us as adults to be the demonstration we want to see for the future generation.”
Ms O’Connell says she has been “overwhelmed” with the community spirit of islanders who have offered their help but also of local businesses, such as MyPlumber.je and Gary Whitelaw Butchers, who have offered donations and deliveries.
“Initially, people were offering spare items to each other but after 24 hours the group gained 2,000 members, we now have over 3,000 members. More offers of help flooded in,” Ms O’Connell said.
“The response my initiative has received has been absolutely heartwarming, I can’t put words to it. I’d like to thank all our members and local businesses, they make the group, I just created special.”
Pictured: Many islanders have offered to help their neighbours with deliveries.
Natasha Gallie offered to help organise the flyer scheme. She has designed a document and is now trying to source a printing business to print them. The group is also hoping Jersey Post will help distribute the flyers.
“Our goal is to help as many people as possible, the most vulnerable members of our community in self isolation, the elderly and families, to spread kindness and remind people that Jersey is a wonderful place with great community spirit.
“We all have someone in our lives affected by this, but not everyone affected has someone. Let’s be that someone.”
Other islanders have also been carrying out similar initiatives.
Deputy Louise Doublet created a template which she distributed to her neighbours “in the hope of building a community with the people near to me”. She also encouraged others to use it in their own neighbourhood.
Explaining her initiative, she wrote on her Facebook page: “… I don't think enough is being done yet in terms of helping islanders to create community networks to support each other.
"I'm hopeful that the Parishes will begin to fill this gap, but I also think there are simple things we can do ourselves to connect with our immediate neighbours.”
Pictured: An example of one of the stickers.
A gentleman from St. Ouen has also been printing stickers offering to pick up shopping, post mail, make a friendly phone call or urgent supplies.
“I work in the evenings. I am certainly not well-off financially, but I am well-off in time. I have a lot of time during daytime so instead of playing on the Playstation or walking the dog I thought I could help somebody else.”
Noting that several other similar initiatives have been started, he added: “I think we are just like-minded people. I have been home myself and if it was not for people helping me, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in. It’s give and take.
"People have given me so I am giving back to the community.”
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