A new initiative that will see Canberrans dropping off cards in their neighbours’ mailboxes has been announced by the Minister for Community Services and Facilities, Suzanne Orr.
Ms Orr said the new Know your Neighbour program would help build and maintain connections in the community, with the mailbox cards offering recipients contact details and help with daily tasks or even just a chat.
“The cards have been designed to help strengthen community networks, especially during times of crisis,” Ms Orr said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is having significant impacts on people’s economic, social and mental wellbeing and it is affecting everyone in the community differently,” she said.
“While many people in the community are increasing social contact with the easing of restrictions, there are people who will continue to isolate to protect their health and there are also people who are struggling with day-to-day tasks, particularly during long periods of isolation.”
Ms Orr said the Know your Neighbour cards were being distributed across Canberra in a partnership between the ACT Government and Neighbourhood Watch ACT
“This card has been designed to support our community through various stages of physical distancing provisions and gives you options to offer assistance to your neighbour including helping them to get essential supplies like groceries, walking their dog, or you can simply use the card as a first step in reaching out to your neighbour to see how they are going,” she said.
“We all have experienced the impacts of COVID-19 in different ways and what we want everyone in community to know is that we are here to support each other.”
Ms Orr said the cards would be distributed by Neighbourhood Watch volunteers across many Canberra suburbs and were also available from libraries, community centres, Government shopfronts and some supermarkets and cafés.
Further information on the Know your Neighbour initiative, including where to download the cards can be accessed on the Communities Services Directorate website at this PS News link.
