Increased Demand for Good Morning Call Services

Linda Baker, Good Morning Down

Our Community Development Officers have been reaching out to the groups they support to find out how the virus and stay at home orders are affecting their work.

Orla McCann, our CDO for the South Down area, spoke to Linda Baker, Manager of Good Morning Down, to find out what the situation is for her, her staff and their clients.

The Good Morning service has long been a lifeline for many older and vulnerable people throughout Northern Ireland. Now the callers find themselves on the front lines making sure their clients can cope with all the new difficulties, restrictions and worries relating to the coronavirus.

At Good Morning Down, where they normally make calls from their offices in Downpatrick, the service is now being delivered from the homes of staff and volunteers due to COVID-19.

Linda Baker, the manager, explained, “These are unprecedented times and they have called for a change in how we carry out our service. The staff, volunteers and I are carrying on with making our telephone calls from our homes to maintain the service to those who are even more lonely and isolated than ever.”

Many of GMD’s clients are feeling very anxious as a result of the lockdown, Linda explained, “Most of their problems stem from the fact that they are alone and isolated anyway. The fact that no friends or neighbours can pop in at all is making things worse. Even carers have to come and go very quickly and can’t stay for a chat or offer any human contact – that is really affecting them.” 

And, like many of us stuck in the house these days, they are also just getting bored. “They’ve done every crossword and every jigsaw!”, laughed Linda. Most of her clientele aren’t online, although GMD does run a Facebook page where they post news and information. Linda estimates only about 20% of their clients can access the internet and engage online. 

GMD has now increased the regular number of calls they make per week to each client and are also clearing the waiting list for their service. In addition to what they have always done, checking in and having a good chat, callers are also now asking if their clients are exhibiting any symptoms of the virus and making sure they have enough to eat. They are passing on practical information about which shops are delivering and how to order food and supplies. “We don’t dwell on the news though; we try to lift their mood and give them a laugh”, said Linda. "And most importantly, we remind them that we will get through this together."

Linda is also working hard to make sure her staff and volunteers are well supported. Some have doubled the amount of time they normally contribute to the service. 

“Some volunteers come to us because of their own mental health, so we check in with them regularly and have a process for reporting any issues. My problem is staying away!", she said, " When you’re working from home, it’s harder to step away at the end of the day.”

Linda went on to thank Orla for her ongoing support saying, "Supporting Communities has always been there for GMD from the very start 17 years ago. I could not manage without their valuable knowledge and help with staffing, funding opportunities, and payroll - they have always been at the heart of GMD. No more so than in this present crisis."

Conor Flanagan, SC’s Head of Community Development, commented, “Supporting Communities will continue to provide advice, support and guidance to Linda and her team to deal with the demand GMD is facing. We congratulate GMD on their recent funding secured from the CFNI Coronavirus Fund which will be vital in ensuring the most vulnerable continue to receive their telephone call.”

About Good Morning Down

Good Morning Down (GMD) made its first telephone call in January 2005 and since that time at least 450 clients have availed of the service with staff and volunteers making on average 16,000 telephone calls per year.

GMD provides a caring and befriending telephone support service to elderly and vulnerable residents in the Down area of Newry, Mourne & Down Council. The service is delivered by a team of trained staff and volunteers. GMD aims to reduce the isolation felt by older people and help them feel safer at home. The service also enhances the clients’ self-esteem and gives them information on other community services and events.

GMD works very closely with statutory organisations such as the Housing Executive, local PSNI Neighbourhood Team, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council’s PCSP in receiving referrals and raising any issues relating to ASB, crime, the fear of crime and promoting community safety. Events are organised every year where clients are invited along learn about information from agencies, enjoy fun activities and receive a hot meal.

GMD also liaises with voluntary associations including County Down Rural Community Network, Confederation of Community Groups and Supporting Communities in considering local solutions and fostering working together for the benefit of the clients.

More Information

• To find out more about Good Morning Down, check out their Facebook page.

• More resources for community groups in South Down.

• Find links to other Good Morning services and community resources near you in our Local COVID-19 Response section.