Old Library Trust is ‘busier than ever’ as it takes on lockdown

A thriving Derry healthy living centre, which has had to close due to Covid-19 restrictions, has been ‘busier than ever’ in recent weeks.
The Exercise on the Streets initiative has been a great success.The Exercise on the Streets initiative has been a great success.
The Exercise on the Streets initiative has been a great success.

Staff at the Old Library Trust in Creggan have been doing their best to ensure that its members and users are living healthily in lockdown and have organised numerous events and initiatives for those living in the Triax area and neighbouring communities.

Manager George McGowan told the Journal that when the centre was shut, they got the go ahead from their funders to continue with projects.

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So, staff and facilitators put their heads together to find ways they could adapt, to help local communities in these unprecedented times. And adapt they did, with those at OLT ‘busier than ever.’

”We wanted to keep people in a routine and keep the programmes and services up and running as best we could. We phoned our members and users initially and did an analysis on what they could access.”

In the main, the majority of people were able to access some sort of social media and for those who couldn’t, the OLT set about finding ways in which they could connect.

They call service users and people within the community on a daily basis, with about 200-300 phone calls per week. 

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George outlined how they are noticing that, as the weeks progress the calls are becoming longer and are more of a ‘listening ear.’

There are also around 20 different classes per week online and private groups for those who are vulnerable.

The OLT has also created its own Youtube channel, with live and pre-recorded videos both there and on social media.

They are also involved in the community response initiative in the Moor area and alongside other groups, help distribute up to 800 goods parcels on a weekly basis.

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At the beginning of lockdown, in a bid to boost people’s spirits, they organised Street Bingo and one of their biggest successes is the ‘Exercise on the Streets’ initiative - all done within social distancing guidelines.

In line with OLT’s healthy living aim, personal trainers go into individual streets and have people exercising in their gardens or doorsteps. Over 1,400 people have taken part so far, with ‘brilliant feedback.’.

“It’s not just about physical exercise, it’s also about lifting people’s spirits with the craic and the banter,” George said.

OLT has also been focusing on local people living with dementia and their carers.

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DEEDS (Dementia Engaged and Empowered) Doorstep Melodies has been an invaluable and worthwhile project this past few weeks, during which a ‘wee sing song’ takes place outside the homes of those living with dementia, lifting their spirits and eliciting emotions and memories,

OLT is also delivering isolation and activity packs in the community.

There’s are also a lovely pamper packs for carers ‘to show them appreciation in this challenging time.’

OLT is engaging with communities through Facebook and Twitter, with over 50,000 views so far for their posts. You can see what they’re up to on OLT HLC on facebook and @OLTHLC on Twitter, and OLTHLC on Youtube.

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