Highland Council convener praises 'incredible' volunteering effort
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The convener of Highland Council has paid tribute to the volunteers working in 10 community hubs set up across the region to support people in need during the coronavirus crisis.
Councillor Bill Lobban said: “Council staff and volunteers from our partner organisations are working alongside community groups to provide this invaluable local support.
"The response from people wanting to help has been incredible. This includes 124 High Life Highland staff who are rolling up their sleeves and volunteering alongside our staff across all the hubs to deliver assistance to those most in need.
"I would like to thank each and every one of them for their hard work. Their support is invaluable to communities across the Highlands.
“More than 40 High Life Highland staff have also volunteered to help at the newly established key worker childcare hubs and they have joined council staff volunteers in developing a wide range of activities and support for the children of key workers. Their enthusiasm, ideas and energy have contributed to the creation of a really positive team dynamic.”
His praise was echoed by council leader Margaret Davidson, who last week thanked volunteer staff from Eden Court who have been helping to answer thousands of calls coming in on the council’s busy Covid-19 helpline.
Reiterating her gratitude to all council staff and staff from Eden Court and High Life Highland, she said: “What more can I say than a massive thank-you to everyone volunteering and providing support. Their selflessness and determination to come together at a time of acute need is quite incredible.
“It’s fair to say that every element of normal life has been affected in some way by this devastating virus but seeing the 'can do' spirit and the dedication demonstrated by our own staff and those from High Life Highland and Eden Court has been extremely heartening and underlines the compassionate and caring approach of people in Highland.”
Ian Ross, chairman of High Life Highland, said: “High Life Highland has a history of a strong and effective relationship with Highland Council, but the recent unprecedented times have further strengthened this key partnership and allowed us to work closely with Highland Council in delivering for communities.
“I am very proud of all the High Life Highland staff involved who are volunteering in communities while on furlough leave, using their skills and local knowledge from their day jobs to help those most in need.
