Over 1000 food parcels sent out
Council doing its bit to help the vulnerable
Perth and Kinross Council has distributed over 1000 food parcels to people either vulnerable or shielding across the region.
Extra food has also been provided for hard-pressed food banks, which has suffered from a decline of donations and volunteers at the outset of the coronavirus crisis.
The authority’s work to protect its most vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 outbreak has been highlighted by an influential independent organisation.
SURF, a regeneration forum which works to improve the lives of residents in Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities, is showcasing the council’s community welfare and resilience work since the lockdown began in March on its website.
A dedicated team of more than 70 people now works to ensure vulnerable people get food, medical and other vital supplies delivered to their homes across Perth and Kinross
Perth and Kinross Council’s community support information pages were set up at the start of the outbreak and included a dedicated email address so anybody needing support could contact the council directly.
A leaflet was also distributed so households with no internet access knew where to turn for help if needed.
So far, the team has dealt with more than 2000 enquiries from across Perth and Kinross and made over 7000 welfare check-ins.
Each week, Perth and Kinross Council staff deliver emergency food parcels to those most in need and where householders are isolating or are vulnerable.
Karen Reid, chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council, 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 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.”