There has been a fantastic response to a campaign which aims to allow Scots to support the coronavirus response
More than 50,000 people across Scotland have signed up to offer help during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Scottish Government launched its Scotland Cares volunteer recruitment campaign at the start if last week.
The number of people registering to volunteer hit more than 20,000 on the first day and stood at more than 50,000 as of Saturday (4 April).
Cabinet secretary for social security and older people Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The response to the Scotland Cares campaign has been outstanding and I want to thank each and every person who has signed up to volunteer during the coronavirus outbreak.
“Your support at this critical time is invaluable and will make a huge difference over the coming weeks and months.”
The Ready Scotland website is being constantly updated and provides advice on volunteering safely and the organisations to register an interest with such as Volunteer Scotland and the Red Cross.
In line with Scotland’s current stay at home rules the public can only volunteer to carry out tasks which involve leaving their home, once a day, if you are not required to be isolating and are not in any risk categories.
Think you can help?
Those wanting to volunteer to support their communities have three options which are signposted from the Ready Scotland website:
• returning NHS workers will be directed to existing voluntary arrangements in NHS Scotland
• people wishing to offer their support to our public services, including the NHS and local authorities, will be directed to a site co-ordinated by the British Red Cross
• those looking for opportunities with other charities or community groups in their area will be directed to Volunteer Scotland for information
• The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has created a community directory to provide vital support to voluntary groups and the public during the current crisis. The Covid-19 Third Sector Information Hub allows groups to share what non-medical help they can offer to the public and other organisations
