I’ve been hugely encouraged by the number of people who have been in touch offering to volunteer to help vulnerable residents during this tough time. As a result I wanted to make people aware of some of the ways you can get involved and help to beat this virus.
NHS Scotland
Having seen the success of the volunteer scheme in England & Wales, I’m glad to say that the Scottish Government have finally launched their own volunteer scheme for helping our health service. It’s being run through the Red Cross and will also help out other public services that are in need. To find out more and to sign-up you can visit: https://reserves.redcross.org.uk/
Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland
CHSS are currently looking for volunteers as well. You can get involved by either phoning up those who may need to chat to someone during self-isolation, or by helping deliver food to those who can’t leave the house. The sign up form is available here: https://www.chss.org.uk/coronavirus/volunteering-opportunities/
Volunteer Scotland/Edinburgh
Volunteer Scotland warn that there are limited opportunities to help out right now, but they expect that to change in the coming weeks. They’re working with local organisations in Edinburgh, and you can sign up for local alerts on their website here: https://search.volunteerscotland.net/coronavirus/. You can get in touch with the Volunteer Edinburgh office at [email protected] or by calling 225 0630.
Ready Scotland
The Ready Scotland website offers advice on how to help out more locally, and how to do this safely – which is available here: https://www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus/
More locally
Don’t feel like you have to contact any of the schemes above to be of help during this time – helping out on your own street or in your own community is just as important. Being a good neighbour will be a lifeline to many older, vulnerable or isolated people and making sure they have the support they need is hugely important.
I should reiterate that you should only offer to volunteer if:
- You are well and have no symptoms of coronavirus (a new and continuous cough or high temperature)
- Nobody else in your household has shown symptoms
- You are under 70
- You are not 28 weeks pregnant or more
- You do not have any underlying health conditions (that means you are offered the flu jab on grounds of health each year) that make you vulnerable to Coronavirus
Kind regards,
Scott Douglas
Scottish Conservative Councillor for Murrayfield & Corstorphine
[email protected]
07738 115992