VOLUNTEERS GO THE EXTRA MILE
VOLUNTEERS at a charity based in t h e s o u t h o f G l a s g ow h av e helped more than 2000 vulnerable adults access food and medicine during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cosgrove Care, which has offices in Giffnock, is continuing to support those in the shielding category throughout Ibrox, Govan and the South Side of the city.
The group, which also offers services within East Renfrewshire, has been commended by the Scottish Social Services Council ( SSSC) for the selfless hard work of the workers and volunteers.
Within the last six months, the Cosgrove has achieved more than 2000 volunteer engagements, including assistance with shopping, prescription collection, telephone befriending, delivering anti- boredom packages, food parcels for those in financial need, and assistance to ensure regular activities can continue to take place within the new guidelines.
Its telephone befriending service meant that those who were self- isolating were not left feeling socially isolated, with volunteers regularly making calls to people living alone to check in, ensure all was okay and have a chat.
Cosgrove managed to connect many people during lockdown, with the befriending service continuing to develop, with some conversations now developing into face to face meetings.
The organisation has also successfully held a variety of online ‘ hangouts’ to keep some of the people they support connected while in lockdown.
It has held online chats, karaoke and even bingo sessions that have ensured that the people it supports have been able to keep in touch with each other and its team throughout lockdown.
James Lwanda, of Cosgrove Care, said: “Overall there is an excellence sense of good will within these communities.
“We are still helping those in need, particularly the elderly, with access to vital supplies.
“We are not bound by a local authority and our services reach Glasgow, East Renfrewshire and at times North Lanarkshire.
“Our volunteers are fantastic and deserve to be recognised for their hard work and contribution throughout this trying time.”
SSSC chief executive, Lorraine Gray, thanked everyone who shared their story with them and the entire social service workforce for the tremendous work they have done, and continue to do, to support people receiving care.
She said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to share their stories with us and the lengths workers have gone to so they could continue delivering the best quality of care in the most difficult circumstances.
“Every one of the stories reflects the knowledge, skills and values of the social service workforce, who don’t always get the recognition they deserve for the vital role they play in our communities.
“Their dedication to their role and the people they support is clear and for many it really is life changing work and a vocation they excel in.
“We’re privileged to share these stories and hope everyone has enjoyed reading them as much as we have.
“Sharing Inspiring Care Stories is just the start for the social service workforce as the Covid- 19 pandemic and the forthcoming review of adult social care are rightly shining a light on this trusted, skilled and confident workforce and the vital work they do.”