‘Stay strong, stay positive’ - Mayor reaches out to residents and staff in local care homes across Derry & Strabane

Mayor Boyle said as First Citizen, she felt it was important to reach out to older people and the vulnerable members of our community during this difficult time to offer support and words of comfort and reassurance.

She said: “It is a very worrying time for older persons across our Council area, in particular those who are living in nursing facilities and who are no longer able to have their loved ones to visit. As Mayor of the city and district I felt it was important to send a message out to all older people to remind them that we are all thinking about them and doing all we can to stop the spread of this virus and help protect them and their families. I want to reassure members of the elderly community how much we value them and how we are all doing all we can to take all the necessary precautions to keep them safe.”

Mayor Boyle, in the letter, acknowledged the tireless work and commitment of the nurses, caring and support staff at the nursing homes across Derry and Strabane who are doing over and beyond their job description in providing support and care during this challenging time.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all the caring and support staff working at nursing and care homes across our Council area. We really do appreciate all you are doing to keep our loved ones safe. You are the real heroes and we are eternally grateful to each and every one of you as you do all you can to keep spirits high and keep families in touch with their loved ones via facetime and phone messages. It is really appreciated.”

The Mayor, encouraging the older community to have faith and hope to get through this difficult period, said by working together and abiding by the rules we can come out the other side.

“We will get through this there is no doubt about it. So stay strong, stay positive and look out for one another. This is just a hurdle we must get over, we just need to be patient and be sensible.”

The Mayor added that she hoped to visit as many nursing homes and care facilities she can once the pandemic is over so she can meet resident and staff and thank them personally for their resilience and support.