1000 volunteers lend a vital hand Huge number of helpers come forward during crisis
kindness, compassion and community.”
Examples include the v o l u nt e e r s supporting NHS Tayside by providing administrative and reception desk cover – this has freed-up NHS Tayside staff to attend vital Covid-19 training at Perth Royal Infirmary.
Other examples include the food larders and ‘take and share’ supply boxes which local community groups have set up in various neighbourhoods.
Council chief executive Karen Reid and Paul Graham, chief executive of PKAVS, admitted it could be frustrating when the offers of help are not immediately required.
But they asked for patience while people are matched with the help which is needed in different localities.
They also said the impact of Covid-19 was likely to be felt for some time, meaning volunteers will remain “vital”.
Both chief executives also stressed that people should only volunteer when they can do so safely, and should not sign up to more than they know they can take on.
They said even small acts of kindness, like ringing a neighbour once a week for a chat, can make a huge difference.
A statement from the council said: “Perth and Kinross Council and PKAVS want to thank everyone who has stepped up to lend a hand, volunteer and make a difference to our communities.
“Their contribution will be central to the Perth and Kinross offer as we recover from the impact of COVID- 19 on our unique, diverse and beautiful area and we start to look to the future.”
Anyone who is self isolating and needs assistance can contact the council on communitysupport@pkc.gov.uk
Residents are being told that with the COVID-19 situation, the local authority may take longer to respond to “routine” queries.