A call to those who can help
A call to arms has gone out to build an army of volunteers who want to help others during the current pandemic.
Engage Renfrewshire, the organisation which helps charities and community groups, has been working with third-sector groups for the last two weeks to establish a new database of volunteers.
Many community groups across the district have been inundated with offers of support from the public but haven’t got the ability to allocate roles and time.
Now Engage Renfrewshire is using its expertise to help build a Renfrewshire volunteer reserve list to bolster community groups and charities during the crisis.
Alice McBride from Engage Renfrewshire said: “The public response to the Covid-19 epidemic has been nothing short of incredible. Over the last two weeks Renfrewshire residents have already come together in a monumental way to support their neighbours, and we applaud the efforts of so many people who have volunteered their services.
“However, this is an ever- changing situation and Renfrewshire wants to be proactive in its response to situations, as and when they arise.”
Scotland’s national call for volunteers, Scotland Cares, is being co-ordinated by the Red Cross and will feed into local efforts where required, including NHS Scotland.
Alice stressed the volunteer reserve list would be part of a local response to any issues as and when they arise.
She said: “This is a local effort, supported by Renfrewshire Council and local community planning partnerships. It is not in place of
Renfrewshire Carers Centre is organising a team of volunteers who can deliver emergency prescriptions or supplies to people’s doors.
The Paisley-based organisation says it is still able to support carers via telephone and if needed can organise regular calls to help carers feel less isolated during the lockdown.
For families who are struggling the national efforts proposed by the first minister, or the very local efforts already seen by grassroots organisations over the last two weeks.
“It is to best support our existing thirdsector groups across Renfrewshire.”
Renfrewshire Council has compiled a list of local groups which are offering mutualaid or other help in their communities and anyone able to get involved in volunteering is encouraged to do so.
Those who feel they are fit and healthy to support voluntary efforts will be to assigned to vital roles that will emerge over the next weeks, essentially ensuring those most at risk in the community stay safe and healthy.
Volunteers are asked to always follow the guidelines provided by NHS Scotland to keep themselves and others safe.
To find out more information, or if you would like to be part of the Renfrewshire volunteer reserve, you can register now at volunteer.engagerenfrewshire.com
For further information contact info@ engagerenfrewshire.com or call 0141 887 7707. financially, it can refer to Renfrewshire Foodbank and can provide supplies of free sanitary products.
The centre plans to use social media and technology to provide peer support and advice to carers while groups are unable to meet.
Follow Renfrewshire Carers Centre on Facebook for updates. For help, call the centre on 0141 887 3643.