Support Your Community

Foster a sense of wellbeing and connectivity in our communities and trust in the services that are provided.

#StrongCommunities

Keep communities healthy and safe

Keeping all members within our communities healthy and safe involves following the recommended guidelines of the Competent Authority and health officials including:

Practising social distancing – standing at least six feet apart from others
Wearing a mask or face covering that covers both your nose and mouth
Always coughing or sneezing into a paper napkin or your elbow (when a disposable napkin isn’t available)
Washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer

Check in with the most vulnerable in your community

Be aware of those who are most vulnerable in your community and make provisions for them. The most vulnerable people include:

The elderly
Those with pre-existing conditions or compromised immune systems
Children
Families with minimal resources
People with disabilities

Communities can come together to make sure that these persons get the necessary resources, such as food and medicine, and at least know how to access services that are needed. Having at least one household in the neighbourhood checking on these persons can be of great help.

Encourage remote volunteerism

During lockdowns and isolation, many people have stored amounts of energy that would otherwise be expended during work or regular activities. Volunteerism is a great way to expel some pentup energy, reduce stress, combat boredom, and provide a sense of purpose and well-being. It also helps foster communication and connection with others. Safe ways to volunteer during the pandemic are:

Creating a “phone tree” to check in on your neighbours.
Connect virtually with others to discuss community issues and problem-solving tactics. Develop a community action plan, if possible. Each community has its own unique challenges that can only be fully known by members of those communities. By linking with others within your community, you can purpose some creative ways to solve some of the issues that arise during this pandemic.
Utilise and make stronger already reputable and trusted groups within your community. These include religious groups, and youth and civic organizations.

Opportunities to support

Support the less fortunate by donating to the following organizations:

The Bahamas Red Cross (https://bahamasredcross.org/volunteer)
Lend-a-Hand (https://www.lendahandbahamas.org)
Hands for Hunger (https://handsforhunger.org/volunteer/individuals)
The Salvation Army Bahamas (https://salvationarmybahamas.org/service/volunteer)

Build relationships with your neighbours

While connecting with your neighbours, remember to constantly social distance and follow the guidelines above for safely interacting with others.