JULIE MARKER: We've already shown that a strong community response can make a difference
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As we prepare for a winter of unknowns, with rising fuel and food costs certain to have an impact on people across the county, Julie Marker of Caithness Voluntary Group looks at how people can help support one another in the dark days ahead
Given the extent of the cost-of-living crisis we will do well to prepare for the multiple challenges that lie ahead.
When we experienced lockdowns through the pandemic, a powerful network emerged. People from all corners of the county, determined to support their communities, met weekly to coordinate modes of support.
Some of them worked for charities, some were on furlough and wanted to use their time to help. Others were already dedicated volunteers but went that extra mile to support the community.
They delivered shopping and medicines, meals, hand sanitiser, jigsaws and books. New initiatives were created that were phone based such as check-in-and-chat and a new a listening service.
On top of that, new funding materialised for additional staff hours, free digital devices and the reopening of village halls.
We have proven ourselves to be resilient, with the ability to come together to quickly adapt to new challenges and forge ahead. Most of us will be impacted by rising costs, we might need to switch to cheaper brands, reduce the temperature of our homes and make fewer trips in the car.
However, for some people, the pressures will simply mean no food and children leaving for school with no breakfast.
Without help, it will mean the pre-payment meter will be unaffordable so the heating, lights and oven will not be in use. School children will not be able to do homework or have hot meals.
Older people will need to go to bed earlier and if they fall during the night, it will be worsened by the cold. Without a car or money for bus fare it will be more difficult to attend appointments, meet with friends and family and people will lose their independence.
And, let’s not forget, when people are struggling financially, stress increases, relationships suffer and overall health deteriorates.
Many groups are now preparing to support people again through what is expected to be a very tough winter.
As well as through your usual contacts such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Caithness Foodbank, day centre’s, youth clubs and community organisations, the HERE for Caithness team are collecting information and promoting what community support is available. Searching for the hashtag #Caithnesshere will generate a list of support available that week.
Obviously not everyone is online and so it is important for communities to display posters with telephone numbers of agencies and groups offering support.
One particular method is not going to be fail proof, so families and neighbours are invited to look out particularly for older or vulnerable people and signpost them to support that would be most helpful.
Caithness Voluntary Group’s HERE for Caithness team, funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, will work with community partners which are offering support and promote them, on posters, on noticeboards and in shops. There is also a Friday Bulletin that highlights events, activities and other sources of support – to receive this to your inbox please email Julie@cvg.org.uk
One of the most effective things we can do is to learn what is available, then tell others. The community response cannot solve every problem, but when we work together, we can reduce some of the pressures.
- Julie Marker is HERE For Caithness project lead and chair of Caithness Cares, part of Caithness Voluntary Group.
