The Translink Belfast Transport Hub and operational teams, recently hosted a bespoke webinar to offer local communities and businesses practical information and advice in preparation for the re-opening of communities and business-based premises after the Covid-19 lockdown.
The presentation, which was attended by organisations from local community groups, small & medium size enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprise NI, provided real time information on how Translink have adapted and continue to implement and communicate social distance guidance in stations across the public transport network.
The attendees learned how Translink have introduced a 4-step strategy to Identify; Approach; Implement and Review safe social distance measures. This 4-step strategy provides the template for managing, reacting and introducing, practical measures to respond to Social Distance guidance throughout the phases emerging from lockdown.
John Thompson, Translink Safety and Corporate Responsibility said
“This has been a very challenging time for everyone, we have had to adapt and react quickly as this pandemic evolved. Out of this, we recognised the significant social value in taking the opportunity for shared learnings as part of our engagement with the local community.
“We have welcomed this opportunity to share our experiences and practices with key community groups offering some practical solutions and helping trigger some ideas to support the safe re-opening of their local premises for local people. These actions will have a ripple effect and play their part in helping society and Northern Ireland rebuild.
“I’d like to express my thanks to Emma Whyte, Rosanna Jack, Gemma Thompson and Brendan Gallagher from our operational and Belfast Transport Hub teams who collaborated to deliver this case study, demonstrating the Translink SPIRIT to ensure we all Go Safely Together”.
Colin Jess – Director – Social Enterprise NI
“Delighted to have attended the presentation from Translink which was a great example of how businesses should be reflecting on bringing social distancing measures into their business to enable them to recommence trading. We are in strange times but this session has provided a useful insight for all and highlighted matters to fully consider as organisations within the social enterprise sector look to re-open their premises in a safe and compliant manner. Congratulation to the team at Belfast Transport Hub on rolling out a very informative session”.
Trevor Greer – Community Safety Officer – Belfast South Community Resource
“A hugely informative and worthwhile presentation to attend. As a community service provider with a high footfall in our premises, this presentation gave a real insight into the planning and application of safe social distance practise. The presentation also generated a lot of practical and useful ideas that I’m now applying in our premises. I’d like to thank Translink and the Belfast Transport Hub for creating a presentation that was easy to follow, relevant and ultimately beneficial to the community sector as we continue to negotiate the current guidelines to re-opening our services”.
