We are very aware of the impact COVID has had on other sectors, particularly hospitality. We have teamed up with Hospitality Ulster to extend an invitation to people, formerly employed in that sector, to consider social care as an opportunity to forge a new career and make a hugely important contribution to our communities.
The Covid-19 global health crisis has been an extremely challenging time for everyone associated with Praxis Care. Whether a colleague, service user or family member, we have all been deeply affected by the momentous events of recent months.
We have experienced loss, illness, and anxiety about our health and our futures, but in the midst of that storm, I have been struck by the dedication, commitment and selflessness of our staff. We have pulled together at a time of unprecedented challenge and continued to support our service users, with the minimum disruption possible.
I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all our teams for their efforts. It is valued by the Senior Leadership Team and the Board more than we will ever be able to articulate. I also want to take this opportunity to caution against complacency. The Covid-19 crisis is not over, and is not likely to be until a fully effective vaccine is both tested and globally available to all. Until this time, the need for vigilance will remain with social distancing and PPE use routine features of all our lives.
Please be assured that we will continue to work with all of you to ensure safe environments for our staff and service users. It is important that arrangements for the continuation and resumption of services, as well as the increase in office based working, is carefully planned, with procedures well thought out and communicated. I urge you to adhere strictly to the requirements around social distancing and PPE use, in whichever way is necessary in your local setting. It is critical that the success we have had to date does not lead to us becoming casual in discharging our responsibilities to each other.
In conclusion I would reinforce my deep gratitude to everyone associated with Praxis Care for their incredible efforts. I hope we will not see a resurgence of the pandemic to previous levels, but am confident that you all will rise to whatever challenge is posed in the months ahead.
If you have any concerns or suggestions please feel free to contact me on +44 (0) 75 5212 7046.
For further government advice you can refer to the following links:
Northern Ireland
PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY (NI): https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/
Ireland
HSE (ROI): https://www.hse.ie/eng/
Minding your mental health during the coronavirus
www.hse.ie www.hpsc.ie › coronavirus › guidance › vulnerablegroupsguidance
HSE support link:
Minding your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak – HSE.ie
Dedicated Healthcare Worker COVID helpline
1850-450-450
Great Britain
PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND (GB): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
Our Frontline – Mental Health and Wellbeing
An initiative uniting the leading mental health charities to provide round the clock support to those working against COVID-19. To view visit this website
Isle of Man
ISLE OF MAN GOVT: https://covid19.gov.im/
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