Novalis looks back at the lockdown

Novalis House shared their struggles throughout the Covid-19 national lockdown and thanked those for their support.

Novalis House, which provides residential facilities and care to youth and adults with intellectual disabilities, had some of their residents go back to their parental homes until the effects of the pandemic could be established.

General manager Mary Owen said, “Looking back over the past six months since the national state of disaster was declared, Novalis faced the challenges of the lockdown restrictions and how to best manage the situation, not knowing what would lie ahead.

“Everyone who lived through this difficult time can attest to the challenges brought about by the sudden change to their day to day routine. For people with intellectual disabilities, routine is a major coping mechanism.”

The workshop programme the organisation runs was closed during the lockdown period. This programme affords the residents the opportunity to assist in contract work.

“Working helps each person develop useful cognitive and motor skills, at the same time serving as a vital source of revenue for the organisation. When made aware of this need, many companies and organisations find that they have simple tasks that can be done in our workshop.”

Some residents remained on the premises and worked on the day workshop programme while also being able to take part in leisure activities such as walking, bird watching, gardening, dancing and storytelling while following strict social distancing and safety measures.

Owen added that many of the residents who remained missed the physical contact with their families during lockdown.

“The separation from seeing families was sometimes very difficult for our people, but somehow our spirits were kept positive, and now after six months we look back and reflect on these times with thankfulness that everyone is well and has survived the emotional challenges of the strange times that we are in.

“However, with the effects of the lockdown clearly evident in the business sector, we have also felt the impact and now have to seek extra contracts to keep everyone busy and motivated.”

Their charity shop which opened in April last year, had to close during the lockdown but will now allow individual shoppers to visit by appointment. Residents who would be interested in donating to the charity shop are also invited to donate linen, clothing or furniture to the organisation.

“We thank everyone who has so kindly supported us during the lockdown with various donations, including PPE, sanitiser, food items and items for our charity shop.”

Details: Novalis House www.novalishouse.org