Call for community volunteers to sign up with British Red Cross
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The Scottish Government is urging volunteers to sign up with the British Red Cross to help those most in need in their communities during the coronavirus outbreak.
The volunteering campaign calls on members of the public to register as a community reserve volunteer (CRV) and be part of Scotland-wide preparations to protect the NHS, support people in need and help save lives.
People can sign up with the Red Cross now at readyscotland.org from today to join the team of volunteers who will take food, medicine and supplies to vulnerable people unable to leave their homes.
CRVs will provide extra people power to boost the work already being done in communities large and small, urban and rural, the length and breadth of Scotland.
Norman McKinley, executive director of UK operations for the British Red Cross, said: “We have been humbled by the outpouring of kindness across the country and the numbers of people wanting to play their part. We are proud to partner with the Scottish Government to encourage even more volunteers to sign up with the Red Cross and help others when they are needed.
“We want to help support and strengthen communities who are already doing so much to support others, by harnessing the power of people’s kindness into a coordinated network of volunteers. They will be called upon in the weeks and months ahead to assist the vital work that’s already happening to distribute food, medicines and supplies to those who can’t get out themselves.
“People who are well can also receive alerts to join the work of existing initiatives such as food banks and community groups in their local area. By coming together, we can make sure everyone’s individual needs can be met, and no-one is forced to face this crisis alone.
“Even if you are currently self-isolating, you can still show your kindness from home by registering as a community reserve volunteer and receiving useful tips on facing the challenges of this pandemic, which you can help others with by sharing with them too. It is this spirit of kindness that will keep us together.”
Organised through Volunteering Scotland, the website readyscotland.org will direct recruits to the Red Cross’s online recruitment platform to sign up volunteers – a process that takes just five minutes.
After people have registered their interest, volunteers will be coordinated and supported by the British Red Cross to support a range of needs. Delivery across Scotland will be through local contact centres across Scotland that combine local authorities, the NHS and local charities and community organisations so they can give their help where the need is greatest in their areas.
Anna Fowlie, chief executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “The CRV programme provides a great mechanism to connect people looking to provide help with those who are in need. With thousands of volunteers already recruited and years of work to support local emergency planning, the British Red Cross is well placed to help new volunteers connect with opportunities to contribute their time and skills to support our most vulnerable communities.
"Not only will this help to alleviate the pressure on other public and third sector services during the coronavirus pandemic, it will provide a pool of volunteers who can help Scotland respond to other potential crises in future.”
The Red Cross has more than 2600 community reserve volunteers in Scotland but wants to boost that response to serve even more communities.
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Maree Todd said: “In these difficult times, people across the Highlands want to make a difference in their community.
“While not everyone will be able to volunteer, this new Scottish Government campaign will help people to make a real difference.
“The Scottish Government is working closely with local government and a range of partners to coordinate the volunteering effort across Scotland.
“Through the readyscotland.org website, we can connect people to where their contribution is most needed in their local community.
“For some, that may involve roles responding to specific needs in health and social care. For others, it may be that we draw on their skills, enthusiasm and energy in the weeks and months to come.
“It is important to remember that the most helpful thing many of us can continue to do to help the NHS is to stay at home and follow all Covid-19 guidance.”
