Response to appeal for voluntary help is 'heart-warming'
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THE public response to the challenges being faced during the coronavirus pandemic was described today as "a particularly heart-warming experience".
Helen Allan, chairwoman of Thurso Community Development Trust (TCDT), was speaking after an army of volunteers responded to the call to take part in an initiative that involves the trust as well as Highland Council and Caithness Voluntary Group.
TCDT development manager Joan Lawrie said: "It’s a worrying time for many, including ourselves, but the volume of volunteers coming forward and the teamwork of various partners has been so amazing that it’s given us the boost to keep going."
Since setting up the volunteer response for Thurso and west Caithness, the team has seen a huge response with more than 100 volunteers working together to learn how the new systems work and how to offer support to those in need.
The volunteer team have been outstanding, often getting shopping and prescriptions to callers within the hour.
The team of volunteer call handlers dealt with more than 70 calls for support in the first few days of operation.
Volunteer call handler Marion O’Brien said: "Often when people call us they are anxious and a little frightened, which is completely normal. We do our best to chat things through with users to make sure they know we’re here to help.
"The volunteer team have been outstanding, often getting shopping and prescriptions to callers within the hour. The calls have certainly brought a smile to my face too – hearing a local voice when we’re unable to go out and about has been lovely."
On Friday, the trust team began to deliver more than 4000 leaflets to homes in Thurso. The volunteer response meant that over 80 per cent of households in the town received their leaflets that afternoon.
The leaflets contain telephone numbers for support. Announcements on the help available will also be made through broadcasts on Caithness FM which will be on air in the evenings.
Any new volunteers who would like to get involved can do so by calling the Highland Council region-wide number. Individuals can also support the trust's efforts financially via a JustGiving campaign available on its website.
Meanwhile, TCDT has plans to release the third edition of the Thurso community magazine free of charge to all households. Usually, the magazine is a source of income for the trust, but to reach people who are staying safe at home, it was decided to issue it direct to Thurso residents.
Helen Allan said: "If I could bottle the positive energy coming from the volunteer team, I absolutely would. It has been a particularly heart-warming experience to see people come together so effortlessly in such challenging times."
Protect yourself and others
- Stay at home
- Only go outside for essential food, health and work reasons
- Stay 2 metres (6 feet) away from other people
- Wash your hands regularly
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Do not enter the home of anyone in the at risk category.
- Coronavirus symptoms include:
- A high temperature or fever
- A new, continuous cough
- Shortness of breath
Highland Council has a free helpline to give assistance and to collect details of individuals and community groups looking to provide volunteering support during the coronavirus outbreak. The number – 0300 303 1362 – will connect callers to relevant council specialist teams and will operate Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
A free helpline can give advice if you do not have symptoms, but are looking for general advice: 0800 028 2816. If you are over 70, have an existing health condition or are pregnant, please self-isolate. If you display any symptoms of coronavirus, including high temperature, persistent cough or shortness of breath – self-isolate.
Patients with Covid-19 symptoms are asked to dial NHS 24 on 111, day or night, if their symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days. Please do not call your GP or go to the surgery. Callers to the 111 helpline will be assessed and, if necessary, transferred to a local community hub staffed by clinicians to ensure patients get the best possible advice at the right time.
Telephone and email are the preferred methods of making contact with Caithness Citizens Advice Bureau during the coronavirus crisis, rather than visiting the premises in Thurso or Wick. CAB advice is free, impartial and confidential. For the foreseeable future, advice can be sought by phone between 10am and 4pm on 01847 894243 (Thurso) or 01955 605989 (Wick) or by email at bureau@caithnesscab.casonline.org.uk
Caithness CAB support can also be accessed online.
