Strath support for those in need
Co-ordinated effort under way
Strath residents are ensuring that as few people as possible need to go out and about and that the vulnerable and elderly are protected during the coronavirus pandemic.
Community councils, local churches and volunteers have been co- ordinating ways of ensuring deliveries of essential items will reach those in most need now that the government advice is to stay at home.
Most communities have carried out leaflet drops advising residents of contact numbers for help with shopping, prescriptions – or even if they just need someone to talk to.
Auchterarder Parish Church is co- ordinating volunteers in the Lang Toon.
A spokesperson said: “What we are saying is we can pick up shopping, post mail, deliver urgent supplies or just chat
“Depending on when folk are phoning we may not be able to answer so can people please leave a message and we will get back to them as soon as possible.”
In Braco, the community council has urged all residents to assist in keeping a watch on anyone local who might need help in anyway.
Secretary Mike Boxer said: “The community council has requested all members of the community to keep an eye open for any people, especially those in the vulnerable groups, who may need assistance in any way during this current outbreak and offer help.
“The Braco and Greenloaning Life community Facebook page has circulated a leaflet around the village detailing various web pages etc for further information, together with a directory of local volunteers with their phone numbers who are there to help.”
One of the administrators for the Braco and Greenloaning Life page said: “We’ve been leafleting through the Ardoch parish, up Sheriffmuir road, Kinbuck road, and farms towards Crieff.
“We’ve been leafleting as much as we can because we know not everyone has Facebook.
“But then again, these pages have been a great way to share and get information.
“We’re planning on leafleting again soon, partly in order to remind people of the phone numbers of those willing to help, and also to share anything else that’s crucial.
“Despite constant refrains that people are more selfish these days, there has been an incredible desire to help.
“There hasn’t been a lot to do as yet - some shopping and we’ve also managed to pool together a team to distribute prescriptions as one of our residents works part-time in a local pharmacy. But the important point is that we’re prepared.”
Comrie Community Council
Despite constant refrains that people are more selfish these days, there has been an incredible desire to help Braco and Greenloaning Life
has also prepared a leaflet for vulnerable residents.
It advertises support that the community council can give and a contact number for a helpline set up especially for Shaky Village residents.
The dedicated phone line is being manned by volunteers taking turns to do a shift.
A list of volunteers is also being collated to help with deliveries of essential items to the elderly and vulnerable.
Comrie Community Council secretary Tim Lucas said the group will continue to co-ordinate help locally following advice in relation to voluntary groups issued by the government on Tuesday.
He told the Herald: “We have had a tremendous response from the village from people who want to help and we are very grateful for that.
“We are almost finding it difficult to use everyone to their full potential.”
The leaflet, which is going out to households with their fruit and vegetable orders and newspaper deliveries, can also be found in the window of Comrie Chemist and other key shops.
It asks people to tick what service they are in need of, such as picking up shopping or a friendly phone call,
Mr Lucas added: “We would also encourage people to pass the leaflet on to those who might need it.
“We are continuously reviewing our position and that of the village because we need to be conscious of the degree of risk involved but also balance it with the need to help people.”
In the East Strathearn area, which includes Gilmerton,
Monzie and surrounding area, the community council is encouraging residents to comply with the government’s recommendations.
Chair Maureen Beaumont said: “East Strathearn CC is cancelling all meetings for the foreseeable future – at least until the end of June.
“I hope all our residents keep safe and I am sure they are all looking after each other – especially the most vulnerable.”
And it’s the same in Muthill, with volunteers delivering slips with contact numbers of the specific volunteer covering their street.
In St Fillans, the community council and other volunteers – collectively known as the St Fillans Reach Out Group – have come together to deliver a flyer to every household giving numbers of those who can help with grocery shopping, collecting medications or just a friendly chat.
An email has also been sent to everyone on the village email list.
The Village Store has remained open and is receiving deliveries of fresh fruit from local Strath businesses The Handy Shop, Comrie Buthchers and Campbells Bakers.
A spokesperson said: “St Fillans Reach Out Group is set up by the community council with the help of village volunteers to make sure we all stay safe, healthy and never lonely during the tough times ahead.”