Council's Everyday COVID Warriors: Older Persons Network

They are the everyday warriors bringing a little normalcy to life in COVID times -  follow our mini-series to discover the Central Hawke’s Bay workers who keep the community cogs turning.

Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes they come sporting an everyday appearance and a smile.

Central Hawke’s Bay’s Older Persons Network is one of many groups, working hard behind the scenes to help break through isolation and loneliness felt in Lockdown.

The network - a group of key organisations, co-ordinated by a dedicated team at Central Hawke’s Bay District Council –promotes the wellbeing of older people and collaborates to implement the District’s Positive Ageing Action Plan, which forms part of an overall Community Wellbeing Strategy.

Ordinarily, they meet every six weeks, but during the last COVID-19 lockdown stayed in touch more frequently, to ensure older people were being looked after and could access the services they required.

Following the announcement of another Lockdown the network was quick to make sure the COVID Welfare Response was adequately catering to Central Hawke’s Bay’s older residents.

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Customer and Community Partnerships Group Manager Doug Tate said teamwork and collaboration was vital in order to stop anyone from falling through the cracks. 

“Sometimes it’s just about the feel-good factor – ensuring older people in our District feel supported, connected and know they are not alone. But a lot of what the network does is also very practical – offering services such as phone check ins and meals. 

“There is a lot to think about at a time like this, and we really want to ensure our older residents are not forgotten, and have all the tools they need to beat isolation and have the ability to access any healthcare and everyday services they may need.

“As always we encourage Central Hawke’s Bay residents to reach out and call their older neighbours and family members to check in - a little kindness goes a long way.” 

During an online meeting the Older Persons Network met to understand what community support was available during Lockdown levels, and to share information on what each organisation was doing to help.

It was a place to raise any issues that need to be addressed locally or escalated to a Welfare Co-ordination Group meeting, attended by the local Welfare Manager appointed to represent Central Hawke’s Bay.

The Network includes passionate members from Age Concern; Anglican Care Waiapu – Pakeke Centre; Central Hawke’s Bay Budget Services; Central Hawkes Bay District Council; Dementia Hawke’s Bay; Grey Power; Hawke’s Bay District Health Board; Te Taiwhenua O Heretaunga; Mt Herbert Rest Home; Ministry of Social Development; Presbyterian Support (Enlivan); Probus; RSA Veterans; St John and Woburn Rest Home.

8 September 2021

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