Assistance for families adapted to lockdown

Council bosses are making direct payments to Perth and Kinross families who would ordinarily get free school meals.

Support for vulnerable families and children also includes continuation of faceface-meetings and home visits with those most at risk, a range of childcare options and work with third-sector organisations.

Officers are striving to make up for factors such as loss of income, restrictions on going outside and changed routines.

The council education and children’s services said they are “keenly aware that Covid19 and the lockdown is making life more difficult for families everywhere and some children may be at even greater risk as a result of these pressures”.

It added that “social workers, education staff, health visitors, police and other specialists are all working together to protect our young people, despite the current circumstances”.

More than 1,000 packs of food have been distributed to people who are vulnerable or shielded.

A team of more than 70 council staff are working to deliver emergency food parcels and ensure residents have enough medical supplies.

Additional food has also been donated to foodbanks.

Council chief executive Karen Reid said: “Perth and Kinross is one of the most diverse parts of Scotland and the scale of the challenge in reaching vulnerable people and remote communities since the Covid-19 outbreak began has been immense.

“We could not have done it without the expertise and commitment of our staff and the energy and dedication of our community organisations and volunteers.

“There is still a mountain to climb, but I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.”

Chief executive Karen Reid is proud of the joint effort.