Rotorua locals in lockdown have a new place they can visit to share information and ask for help online – Caremongering Rotorua.

In less than a week, the Facebook group has gathered together more than 1700 locals eager to help each other out in uncertain times.

Set up by community advocate and Rotorua Labour Party candidate Claire Mahon, the group has rapidly grown with hundreds of individuals and organisations contributing both resources and information.

Claire says the group provides a platform for sharing of resources and helping hands.

'In the lead-up to and during the lockdown, members have been proactive in ensuring access to information such as shop opening hours, webinars, tips and tricks, as well as messages of support and a place for positivity,” she says.

The 'caremongering” concept is based on a Canadian initiative aimed at bringing together like-minded locals to spread care throughout the community. A play on the word 'scaremongering” it aims to bring positivity, the sharing of care, and a platform to ensure the community's needs are being met.

The group works by receiving 'asks”, many of which are behind the scenes and not publicly visible. Asks may be requests for help with picking up prescriptions or doing grocery shopping.

Community members are also sharing resources for anyone struggling to adjust to the new lockdown restrictions. Caremongering provides group members with a positive place to share ideas and make connections.

'We've already matched volunteers with those in isolation needing help with essential grocery shopping and set people up with phone calls when they need someone to chat with,” says Claire.

'Our group members have been sharing ideas about setting up virtual concerts and classes, such as one for tamariki on making corn fritters, which I was tempted to join myself it sounded so great.”

She says one of the most popular activities has been the teddy bear hunt, with many locals sharing their photos of stuffed toys they have put in their windows or on their letterboxes for families to find on their walks.

Caremongering admins are working with the Rotorua Lakes Council Civil Defence response team, as well as other agencies and service providers, to ensure community needs are being met.

'Great care is being taken to ensure there is no overlap in services being provided and the page is intended to work harmoniously with support services without getting in the way of professionals or putting people at risk,” she says.

As well as on the ground assistance, Caremongering has provided a place for those in isolation to remain in contact and maintain social interactions. Caremongering members have made connections between individuals and families who may otherwise go without any contact.

'I've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of aroha (love) and awhi (support) that's been shown by Rotorua community members at this time – it's not surprising, it's who we are, and it has been wonderful to see.

'We are getting amazing support from our essential service providers who are not only working hard but taking time out to help others on their way home from their shifts," explains Claire.

For those who are not active in the Caremongering group or who may not be able to access it, intermediaries are ensuring information is passed on.

Caremongering admins are reminding everyone to be aware of who lives around them, check in (from a safe distance) and make sure their needs are being met.

'This may be as simple as sharing your contact details and reminding them that you are available to help with anything they may be struggling with. This is especially important for the elderly, those who are in high-risk categories, persons with disabilities, and those for whom English is not their first language.

'One of my favourite things to have happened so far has been when we arranged a special sharing of photographed birthday messages for one of our older community members who couldn't understand why his birthday lunch was cancelled.”

Claire says anyone in Rotorua can join the group, as well as those outside of Rotorua who want to connect with locals on behalf of someone who lives here.

Find them on Facebook at Caremongering Rotorua.

For more information, please contact admins Claire Mahon, 027 241 5797, or Matt O'Meeghan, matt@nightflicks.co.nz.