On March 14th everything changed. The Government declared the state of alarm due to the health emergency caused by coronavirus, and Jovesólides had to close the university's doors, as well as those of the Space La Coma. However, this did not stop the university's activities, nor those of the telecentre. It was the only example of such distant work in the La Coma neighbourhood.
During the months of lockdown, the university has maintained direct communication with the local residents who use the Space La Coma. Also, more than 800 people have been attended to and supported telematically. This was possible thanks to the work of seven volunteers, three facilitators and one coordinator.
'Since the state of alarm was declared, it was made clear to us through Jovesólides that we had to keep in permanent contact with the people with whom we normally work', notes Lourdes Mirón, president of the university.
In lockdown, Jovesólides also kept up the training programme and carried out five courses online. The response from the local residents was successful. A total of 52 people attended the jobseekers, computer literacy and digital signature courses.
At the start of June, the Space La Coma opened its doors again. Since then, the Space La Coma's team of professionals and volunteers has carried out more than 500 services. 'As a volunteer, I help to manage the users' telematic processes and give them information', notes Karen Acuña, one of the volunteers who is currently helping in the telecentre.
Thanks to in-person attention, we have supported more than 400 La Coma residents through the telematic processes in the questions of the minimum wage, the digital signature, registration of residence, school enrollment... and many others.
Karen assists people like Silvina Maria Silva, one of the regular users of the Space La Coma. 'We are looking forward to the opening again as lockdown has been very strong, we couldn't go out, not even to the patio. And this is convenient for us because apart from doing several procedures, it allows us to go out. They help us a lot here'.
Since then, all services have been carried out in a personalised way and through appointment. The ultimate goal: to guarantee all the necessary hygiene and protection measures to offer the safest service.
Since then, all services have been carried out in a personalised way and through appointment. The ultimate goal: to guarantee all the necessary hygiene and protection measures to offer the safest service.
The Space project is possible thanks to the financial support of several institutions. This year, it has support provided by the Paterna Local Government and funding from the Department of Equality and Inclusive Policies within the framework of assistance of general interest to address social aims, funded by the allocation of 0.7% of Personal Income Tax in the Valencian Community.
You can find all the information and news about this project by following the hashtag #EspaiLaComa on social media.