I will continue to post links to community support groups, including local volunteer groups and charities which are offering support online.
If you know of any other groups or websites then please get in contact with my office.
Voluntary Action Angus is looking for as many locally-based volunteers as possible to help deal with impact of coronavirus. To sign up to help in your local area, please visit: http://www.voluntaryactionangus.org.uk/coronavirus/
Aberdeen City Mutual Aid volunteer group is also seeking volunteers to provide support to the most vulnerable and those in isolation. For more information please contact Aberdeenmutualaid@outlook.com
Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action has complied a helpful list of organisations in the region that may be looking for help during the Covid-19 outbreak. To view this list please visit: https://www.avashire.org.uk/volunteering.html
The Coronavirus Community Assistance Directory allows those interested in volunteering to search for opportunities in their local area, for more information please visit: :https://covid-19.scvo.org/
The Scottish Government has also launched the ‘Scotland cares’ campaign which will direct people to readyscotland.org where they can volunteer to help our NHS or other public services and local charities at this crucial time.
For those who are struggling with wanting to help loved ones but are unable to visit them, please see below:
Marie Curie:
Age UK is also offering this advice:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/coronavirus/
- Stay in touch over the phone, by post, online or by popping over for a chat (assuming the person is allowed to have contact with others, and you take the precautions outlined above).
- See if people need any shopping or help by running some errands.
- Encourage people to stay active around the house and keep moving.
Online support communities:
https://nextdoor.co.uk/find-neighborhood/
Join your neighbourhood where you can post questions and receive responses from your neighbours, offer help and contact if you need any assistance or support.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/support-community-elefriends/
Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, but now there’s a safe place to listen, share and be heard.
Facebook Groups to follow:
- Coronavirus Updates and Info Aberdeen
- COVID-19 Support Dundee
- COVID-19 Helping Stonehaven
- Healthcare Students to Support NHS Grampian Through COVID-19
- Aberdeenshire Mutual Aid
- Aberdeen City Mutual Aid
During this challenging time it is heartening to see so many local businesses supporting those who are vulnerable in their communities.
I recently found a post from a local blogger, Foodie Quine, of local businesses in Aberdeen and the surrounding areas offering food deliveries, which you can view on my Facebook page :
https://www.facebook.com/liamkerrmsp
If you know of any local businesses or community groups doing their bit to help during the Covid-19 outbreak, please email me at liam.kerr.msp@parliament.scot to help spread the word.