Calls for local residents to volunteer during pandemic

Aberdeenshire MSP Gillian Martin has called on residents to volunteer in their communities during the coronavirus pandemic, as a new Scotland Cares campaign has been launched to encourage people to volunteer.

While current government advice for the public is to remain at home and follow the essential public health guidance, people who are healthy and not at risk can volunteer to provide practical or emotional help to those most in need.

Those wishing to volunteer can support their local communities by visiting the Ready Scotland website.

The website has various options including voluntary arrangements in NHS Scotland, the British Red Cross and local charities or community group work through Volunteer Scotland.

Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said: “In these difficult times, I have been blown away by the number of people across the north-east who have gotten in touch wanting to make a difference in their community.

“While not everyone will be able to volunteer, this new Scottish Government campaign will help people to make a real difference and help those on the front line.

“The Scottish Government is working closely with Aberdeenshire Council, NHS Grampian and a range of partners to co-ordinate the volunteering effort across the north-east.

“Through the readyscotland.org website, we can connect people to where their contribution is most needed locally.

“For some, that may involve roles responding to specific needs in health and social care.

For others, it may be that we draw on their skills, enthusiasm and energy in the weeks and months to come.

“It is important to remember that the most helpful thing many of us can continue to do to help the NHS is to stay at home and follow all COVID-19 guidance.”

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