Meals on Wheels still delivering to those in need

Instead of watching over people swimming at Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre, lifeguard Heidi is delivering Meals on Wheels to vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heidi along with six other staff from our Manly and Warringah aquatic centres are preparing and delivering meals to our most vulnerable as well as doing welfare checks while the aquatic centres are closed to the public.

Heidi says there are similarities between the two jobs. She says “It’s still looking after people, just in a different way.

“I’m really enjoying it – there is so much to learn and I’m meeting so many great people. As well as delivering the meals to doors, we’re conducting welfare checks to make sure our clients are coping okay, sometimes that’s over the phone or by social distancing at the door. It’s been great chatting to the lovely clients, their carers and families.”

Council’s Meals on Wheels service delivers around 25,000 nutritious meals each year to older people and their carers in Manly and its surrounding suburbs.

A service which during the COVID-19 pandemic has become more important than ever for those elderly people who are unable to leave their homes. Staff from our aquatic centres have been delivering the essential service as we have stood down our volunteers temporarily for their health and safety.

If you know someone who might benefit from the service, please find out more about our Meals on Wheels service here.