Volunteer army scrambled to offer help in Courier Country

An army of volunteers has been scrambled across Tayside to look out for the most vulnerable in their community.

Community efforts are continuing to look after the most vulnerable in society by volunteering to pick up shopping, deliver medicine and even help walking the dog.

Brechin Virus Health Group is urging isolated people to phone 01356 629191 if they need shopping, dog walking, someone to talk to, a book to read, or even just a pint of milk.

Elsewhere, Tayside Freemasons have established co-ordinators throughout the region covering Dundee, Broughty Ferry, Monifieth, Carnoustie, Arbroath, Montrose, Brechin, Kirriemuir, Forfar and Glamis.

They are now offering a collect and delivery service of essential groceries and medicines for members, their families, and to the wider community.

Past Master Graham Letford said:

“Co-ordinators are in place to manage the large number of volunteers to provide this service to the people of Tayside.

“It is their intention to use the many volunteers to alleviate the fear and concerns of the needy and elderly who are in isolation.

“There is also a telephone help service to anyone in need of a little chat.”

Mr Letford said it is inevitable that in the coming weeks there will be people in need of extra assistance.

A fundraising page has been set up online at justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/graham-letford-5corona. Monetary and food donations are also welcome with details of dropoff points and times available by calling 07766307264.

Meanwhile, Carnoustie Legion’s 300 members spread across the town will get a call once a week from a committee member to make sure they are OK.

All Legion members have been told to be on the lookout for their neighbours during the coronavirus crisis in case they need help with food deliveries.

Branch chairman Davie Paton said: “Although this is a time to obey the rules of social isolation, we all need to be on the lookout for others in our community who may need help.

“The motto of the Royal British Legion Scotland is ‘Service not Self’ and it is more appropriate than ever that Legion members live up to that in this time of crisis.”

Mr Paton said the call will establish if there is anyone looking out for them and if they are OK for food in the house and whether they have a means to get groceries. The Legion’s foodbank initiative is still running and substantial cash donations have come in to allow the Legion to order online for the wellbeing of those in isolation.

He also praised the local Co-Op for its generous donation of food and to the people of Carnoustie who are using the drop off box in the store for donations of food and toiletries.