It’s at times like this that you realise just how lucky we are to live in a place like Greystones…

No sooner had the call for self-isolation gone out across the country than various groups, shops and individuals were offering their services to the alone and the vulnerable.

From Fiona Roche up in Blacklion offering to personally deliver medicine, and Michelle Lynch offering free hearing aid batteries, to our bookshops offering a helping hand, and restaurants going contact-free for takeaways, and many Greystones businesses – such as our pubs and theatres – closing ahead of any HSE rulings.

And for those needing their daily God fix, the Holy Rosary are broadcasting their daily masses to the masses online right here.

And then, of course, there’s the people. All over social media, groups have formed, and individuals have put themselves forward, all cocked and ready to help any of our elderly who may need something as simple as milk from the shop.

There’s a fast-growing Facebook group covering Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle and Newtownmountkennedy set up by Michelle Power, and another covering Bray, whilst Kilcoole GAA and Centra can help with shopping – just call Eamonn on 0872565571 or Declan on 0878276912.  For the elderly heading to the shops, SuperValu and Tesco have dedicated 7am to 9am, whilst Lidl chose 9am to 11am.

For the kids, there’s another Facebook group, where parents can share ideas, activities and games to keep those little ones happy and busy until beddy-byes…

For the kids, there’s our annual Battle Of The Bands furry freak-out – which comes with big, groovy prizes! As does Hub13’s all-genres art competition. Then again, maybe you just want to make fun of eggs.

There’s also the groovy Artzone, hosting art workshops for kids at noon on Tuesdays and Fridays over on Facebook. Plus, Joe Wicks is on YouTube to wake everyone up with some morning exercises, and Cosmic Kids Yoga to bring ’em back down, sensory activities and silly songs to be sung  here, National Geographic quizes here, Outdoor Bingo here, you can cook or bake yummy treats, listen to a story here, or go take a webcam tour of Dublin Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Victoria Zoo down under, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

The whole family can also go birdwatching through your window with this handy chart. Or get fit with Anne Sexton Pilates (where you’ll find free classes for students sitting exams). Or just sort out your moolah with Anna down at Bookworx (where you’ll find free advice on those pandemic unemployment and employer schemes).

We’ve also had messages into GG HQ, with individuals wanting to do their bit. Individuals such as Joanne Sloper, happy to be a personal shopper, or a phone buddy, to anyone in the elderly community (her number is 0863890487), and Lara and Jess, who are offering dog walking, shopping, medicine collection, and whatever else might be needed. You can catch them on 0860746800.

Jody Connaughton is also appealing to those who might be able to provide meals on wheels for those suddenly housebound. You can email Michelle on info@thehearingclinic.ie if you think you can help. There’s also the Bramhill clan, making woolly Hearts For Hospitals.

If you’re looking for a little inner peace during all this quiet, Jill over in Kilpeddar is hosting free Lockdown Yoga sessions. And if your homecooking needs a boost, Ciara’s Kitchen are offering daily recipes and tips. Fair fecks.

Have to give a big shout-out to Chakra too, who, having closed entirely during the lockdown, decided to give over Sunday, March 22nd as a day to make dinner for everyone and anyone in the town helping in the battle against Covid-19. Boom!

And kudos to local author Steven Duggan donating all proceeds going forward from his latest book, the black comedy The Elder Terror, to the Alone charity.

Arguably, the most effective support of all is being a good neighbour. As we suggested before, check within a 10-house radius of where you live for anyone who may be alone and vulnerable. And make sure they’ve got everything they need. Even if it’s just the reassurance that they’re not actually alone.

These are strange and, for some, strained days. By pulling together, we can make them an awful lot easier, for everyone…

Garda Maria Curtis announced new support options on May 12th – check ’em here.