Caring volunteers go the extra mile

More than 60 volunteers have been working with staff from Renfrewshire Council and partners to support people in the community during lockdown.

Officers, partners and volunteers are working together as one team to support people in a flexible and innovative way from the council’s Neighbourhood Hubs.

The hubs are run by the council in partnership with key local organisations such as the Health and Social Care Partnership, Renfrewshire Leisure and voluntary and community groups, to provide general support and information to residents who may need extra help in coping with the effects of coronavirus.

The volunteers, who have been recruited through Engage Renfrewshire’s Volunteer Reserve, are undertaking a number of roles to support the local community.

Volunteers have been carrying out a variety of tasks including; doing doorstep deliveries, helping with daily errands such as dog walking and posting letters, keeping in touch with residents by making friendship calls or becoming email pen pals.

One volunteer said: “I decided to volunteer at the local hub to help make people’s lives a bit easier during this virus situation.

“Everyone needs a little bit of support, some more than others, and I wanted to be that person who could lend a helping hand or even a listening ear to those in need.”

Another volunteer commented: “I am retired but still fit and healthy and wanted to help make a difference in my local community.

“At the moment there appears to be much more of a sense of community with many people looking out for each other and helping out where they can.

“This can only have a positive effect on local communities which will hopefully last.”

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to volunteer to help those in need in their community in these difficult times.

“It is truly inspiring to see how our community has pulled together to support and look after one another.

“With this being Volunteer Week across the UK I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has volunteered to help during this crisis for the important role they are playing in supporting their community.”

Volunteers’ Week takes place until June 7.

The annual celebration marks the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.

This year, the focus of the week is to thank volunteers for their work.

We have been overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to volunteer