This Mother’s Day, the Central Coast’s leading provider of disability and aged care services, Coastlink, is finding a new way to connect with its clients and bring joy to people within these particularly vulnerable and isolated sectors of society.
On Thursday 7 and Friday 8 May between 9am and 3pm, Coastlink Executive, staff and carers, along with selected clients, will be delivering around 250 potted plants to the homes of clients and their mums across the Central Coast.
Coastlink Chief Executive Officer, John Davis, who will be delivering Mother’s Day gifts to some of the most isolated individuals, says the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Coastlink to deliver its essential services in new and innovative ways.
“Coastlink has been operating for 35 years and currently we provide care for more than 400 people living with disability and the aged in all parts of the Central Coast,” says John.
“Much of the work we do focuses around bringing together those who might typically be isolated from the wider community and connecting them to others and to essential services, as well as enabling them to make valuable contributions and live purposeful, independent lives.
“COVID-19 has resulted in the closure of our activity hubs and community centres, as well as the cancellation of our social outings, so we’ve had to completely change the way we offer connection and care to our clients – many of whom are at increased risk of the pandemic from a health perspective, but also at an increased risk of being completely isolated due to the current restrictions.
The Mother’s Day initiative is one of many ways Coastlink is ensuring its clients remain connected, active and in a positive frame of mind.
“As we know, many mums won’t be spending this Mother’s Day with their children and grandchildren, so our Mother’s Day gift delivery drive enables us to reach out and check in with many of our clients in person, as well as showing them someone cares,” adds John.
“Some carers will also be travelling with individual clients living with disability to complete deliveries from Wyee to Woy Woy. It’s just another way to provide purpose and meaning for our clients and their families during this situation.
“As an organisation, Coastlink has had to respond immediately and innovatively to the challenges presented by COVID-19 to continue to care and connect with all of our clients – everything from online musical experiences, to one-on-one excursions and increased support for essential activities such as grocery shopping.
“We are doing everything we can to help everyone in our care stay positive and connected during this time and our Mother’s Day deliveries are just one more way we can bring joy to those who need it most.”