JIM LOGUE Keep up kindness to benefit others

The Scottish Government’s call for an army of volunteers through its Scotland Cares campaign generated an overwhelming response, with more than 76,000 registrations signing up to help bolster the community response to Covid-19.

So staggering was the response that the government has paused the recruitment programme.

Such a response is expected, given the very altruistic nature of people who genuinely want to help others in times of need.

And with this being Volunteers’ Week, I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to the many selfless volunteers who have demonstrated an enormous amount of kindness and practical help to people in our own communities in Airdrie and Coatbridge as well as those across North Lanarkshire.

Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire estimate that around 1000 people have been officially volunteering to help those who are vulnerable, self-isolating or who just need that bit of extra help.

Hard working volunteers have been making a huge difference, with organised groups such as the Health and Wellness Hub in Airdrie and the Glenboig Development Trust carrying out tasks from packing and delivering essential groceries, walking dogs and collecting and delivering prescriptions to delivering leaflets with emergency contact numbers and even distributing fish suppers to our more mature community.

Sometimes, it’s just a phone call to check in with someone and make sure they’re alright. And that’s a vital call.

Above all, whether being a helpful neighbour or through one of the many third-sector community groups, volunteers have been an invaluable source of support and company to people feeling isolated and lonely. They have made a real, positive difference in these very challenging times.

And it’s not just people. Businesses have been helping out where they can too.

There was a surge of support from local firms who answered a call for help from the council for any appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect our hard-working health and social care staff. We saw beauticians, factories, paint providers and construction companies making offers of help; the list is endless but every offer is very much appreciated.

Sometimes, however hard this horrendous health pandemic is, a crisis can bring out the best in people. Community spirit has doubled during lockdown; hours, days and weeks of people’s time have been spent on helping others.

This really underlines community partnership working. The council can’t do this type of work alone but by working together, we’re really seeing first-hand community partnership in action, building on existing relationships, sharing resources and co-ordinating referrals.

And remember there’s community grants on offer for groups who are helping respond to the coronavirus pandemic to assist with their work.

One thing I ask is for people to keep this up. However small. Whether it’s a chap on your neighbour’s window just to check-in, or a food donation after you’ve been for the weekly shop, every bit counts.

Someone will be benefit from your kindness, so thank you. What a difference volunteers have made to our communities.

Doing their bit Councillor Logue has praised people like Caldervale High teachers Linda Johnstone and Sophie Lindsay who make protective visors as part of the Vise Up project to help people during the coronavirus pandemic