Emergency Management Southland urges those in need to call

Sunday, 19 April 2020

Emergency Management Southland has received more than 230 requests for relief during lockdown, but fears the need may be greater. 

Group controller Angus McKay said EMS had had fewer inquiries than anticipated and was worried that residents weren't aware they could call for help. 

'We've all been quite surprised at how few calls we've had actually,' McKay said.

'The hope is that's the result of local communities looking after local people, but there is also a risk that people do need a helping hand at this time but don't ask for it.'  

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McKay noted that there were residents in Southland who weren't socially connected and said EMS needed help identifying those people so they could be supported. 

The EMS welfare team has been working with community organisations, food banks and volunteer services, to provide assistance where needed, he said. 

He added that many requests proved complex, which was a reflection of the complicated needs people had before the country went into lockdown. 

'The Covid-19 crisis has made things so much worse for some people and their families.'

He said some people who would now need assistance had probably never been in the position before, but stressed that nobody should hesitate to ask for help. 

Because of EMS' strong contacts with partners and government agencies, McKay said the agency was able to help with all kinds of needs; from groceries to household items.  

'Our job is to work with all stakeholders and, because we have those pre-existing networks, we are able to help people across a wide range of issues,' he said.  

He urged anyone in need to call 0800 890 127, email covid19@cdsouthland.nz or visit www.cdsouthland.nz.  

McKay said EMS was also preparing for any transition in alert levels. 

'And even further beyond that, we are looking at economic and social recovery,' he said. 'We're acutely aware there's a lot of work to do there to try and help Southland bounce back.'