News on how Scotland's voluntary sector is responding to the pandemic
Work of Good Eggs celebrated
Eden Project Communities launched its The Big Thanks campaign at the weekend with #GoodEgg shout outs to get the nation celebrating the supporters and spreading joy neighbour to neighbour.
Hundreds of thousands of people are already taking positive action in response to the Covid-19 crisis, from cheering messages for neighbours to see and sharing groceries to going above and beyond to deliver food parcels, medicines, sewing scrubs for the NHS and more.
Fraser Reid who runs Fraser’s Fruit and Veg, in Perth Road, Dundee has been given a #GoodEgg shout out for his support; he said: “We wanted to do something to help our customers and the local community. We’ve been really busy with deliveries since the start of the lockdown and so far we’ve raised over £400 for local foodbanks and I would like to say thank you to all the amazing customers, volunteers, suppliers and staff.” (Picture of Fraser above by Mathew J. Schwartz, penandcamera.com)
Supporting the nation through the Community Action Response to Covid-19, Eden Project Communities and over 30 partners including The National Lottery Community Fund, Neighbourhood Watch, Neighbourly and the Campaign to End Loneliness recognise positive action comes in all guises, and how important it is to celebrate even the small things people do.
The absence of physical human contact has increasingly negative impacts over time, so partners are stepping up efforts to recognise the hyper local action and want to encourage everyone to make positive social gestures, feeding community spirit that will enhance our resilience over time.
Peter Stewart, Eden Project Executive Director said: “We’ve seen so many good eggs taking positive action in our communities, neighbour to neighbour. Every act of kindness will help us to cope better with the difficult situation we’re facing. As we tire it’s even more important to keep spreading human warmth so we feel connected, supported and stay strong together.”
RNIB support goes on
Blind and partially sighted, the majority of whom are older and may have other health conditions, can still have access to services from RNIB Scotland.
"In the current period of uncertainty and confusion it is more important than ever that those who are among the most vulnerable in society still have confidence that they have help and support," said the charity's director James Adams.
Around 170,000 people are living in Scotland with significant sight loss. Although most are over the age of 60, around 3,500 children and young people also have a visual impairment.
"First, and most importantly, our helpline is still open on 0303 123 9999," said Mr Adams. "This can give advice and information and refer people on to other services.
"Information on issues of concern to people with sight loss will also continue to be broadcast, as well as entertainment programmes, by our Connect Radio station, available on Freeview 730 or online. RNIB's Talking Book library can still post or download the thousands of titles we have available in audio and other formats."
The charity's Eye Clinic Liaison Officer service, which offers practical advice and reassurance to people coming to terms with sight loss, will remain in place, although this will be done by phone or email.
Social and leisure interest groups set up under RNIB's Connect initiative, will communicate where possible by social media. The charity's resource centre, selling aids and equipment, remains open for orders online, while support in using new technology will also be available over the phone, as will help and information on welfare benefits.
Advice for social enterprises
Just Enterprise, the Scottish Government’s national programme of business support for the third sector, is offering free, fully funded business support to social enterprises and enterprising charities facing increased demand for services, and a drop in trading income due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The support is available across the country and delivered remotely by experienced business advisers.
Organisations will be matched with a specialist to work on any aspect of the business, from cashflow models to understanding options, changing service or delivery models to using furlough effectively. Requests will be fast tracked to ensure organisations get the right support at the right time.
Just Enterprise is also offering small group support on the Third Sector Resilience Fund helping organisations understand their ask in relation to the fund. More details can be found online.
Much needed funding granted
The Scottish Children’s Lottery has granted funding immediately to help the most vulnerable families impacted by COVID-19. £205,000 has been donated in total - One Parent Families Scotland and FareShare have received £100,000 each and £5,000 has been donated to the Orkney Foodbank.
Kenneth Barclay, chair of The Scottish Children’s Lottery, said: “There is an immediate requirement to help vulnerable families across Scotland with the most basic of needs at this difficult time.
“We’ve chosen to grant emergency funding to three charities who are working tirelessly to support families across the country: FareShare, One Parent Families Scotland and Orkney Foodbank, all of whom are truly making a difference to those who need it most. Every time someone plays the Scottish Children’s Lottery they help children and young people, and we’d like thank our players – this money will truly make a difference to the lives of so many.”
Support for vulnerable families
Vulnerable families across Scotland are receiving extra help to combat the coronavirus crisis by a Scottish social housing provider.
Housing and care staff from Dumfries and Galloway to Fife, and Dumbarton to Leith, are tapping into Wheatley’s new £50,000 Emergency Response Fund. It is part of the group’s response to alleviating hardship and isolation felt by some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families in the country.
Over 135 people and families in financial hardship, who are ill or self isolating, have been supported by the fund so far, receiving help to buy essential items from nappies and mobile phone top-ups to a fridge, microwave and activity kits for children.
