Army of Ross-shire volunteers come forward amid Covid-19 coronavirus fight; delighted figures praise public-spirited response across the Highlands
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AN army of volunteers the length and breadth of Ross-shire is emerging to fight the single biggest threat the area has faced in living memory.
With warnings of a “coronavirus tsunami” in the weeks ahead and plans for testing centres and field hospitals being drawn up, ordinary people flagging a willingness to help those in need are emerging to ease pressure on frontline NHS staff.
A helpline set up by Highland Council this week received 200 calls within 30 minutes.
Now, groups from Avoch to Applecross are sharing contact details on a rapidly-mustered database of those willing to help – a big-hearted gesture that could prove vital in the weeks ahead.
The Dingwall-based Highland Third Sector Interface is drawing up a list which already has more than 130 groups on it.
Chief officer Mhairi Mylie said: “The community response has been phenomenal. From the outset, we have seen thousands of people across the Highlands offering to support their local communities and the most vulnerable in our society, at this unprecedented time.
“To support this human response, we set up a community response register to assist people looking for support in their area, but also to provide groups to volunteer with. We have already a list of over 130 entries on our register. Please add your local activity on our new website, www.covidhelp4highland.org”
The group has also launched a helpline for people looking for guidance about how to support the newly-formed group, for example ensuring that volunteering is done safely. The number is 01349 808022 though it won’t be staffed all the time.
Evidence meanwhile that Highlanders are heeding the “stay at home message” and that the vast majority of employers are on board with the key messages – has fuelled hopes local NHS staff can be given breathing space.
Ross-based Highland MSP Maree Todd, said: “Community initiatives are essential to the response and recovery of emergencies such as this one. It’s been incredible to see so many communities pull together during this difficult time to support one another and I would like to thank all the volunteers who are providing care and assistance to vulnerable community members.
“I am confident the vast majority of people in the Highlands are complying with the rules, and I would like to thank them for that. The changes we are asking people to make are difficult, but essential to help us slow down the spread of the virus as much as we can.”
Dingwall and Black Isle MSP Kate Forbes said: “I want to thank the countless numbers of people across Ross-shire stepping up to volunteer and contribute. Of course all volunteering efforts should follow social distancing measures as much as possible and good hand hygiene at all times.
“The readyscotland.org website gives people good guidance about how to keep themselves, and everyone who wants to volunteer and play their part, safe. The changes that the government and others are asking people to make to their lives – difficult though they are – are absolutely essential to slow down the spread of the virus as much as we can, to reduce its peak impact, to avoid our NHS becoming overwhelmed, so that it can continue to provide treatment to all those who need it, and to save lives.”
Tain and Easter Ross councillor Fiona Robertson said: “I have experienced great kindness and a huge willingness to show community spirit and unity from all around Easter Ross. People are offering donations of their time and resources to help their neighbour. It is such a difficult and challenging time for everyone, with circumstances we have never witnessed before, but the strength of support and love shown to each other is extraordinary and is uplifting.”
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