Important resource connects voluntary groups offering support
A community directory has launched, providing vital support to voluntary groups and the public during the current crisis.
Developed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Covid-19 Third Sector Information Hub allows groups to share what non-medical help they can offer to the public and other organisations
It also enables groups to share what assistance they require and find offers of help between organisations.
At the same time, the public can access it to search for support from organisations in their community, using a geographical search and to find information on how they can volunteer or help in their community.
Launched this week, the site is gradually building its database of contacts and aims to become the first point of contact for organisations reaching out to others.
Earlier this weekTFN reported on the extraordinary efforts groups were making to make sure their communities and vulnerable people were not cut off.
We reported how grassroots groups are being established across the country, supported by social media and the internet, to help the vulnerable and the elderly as well as to help engender solidarity as the country heads towards a possible lockdown.
From health and wellbeing initiatives to community groups providing advice and information on workers’ rights, community efforts are ramping up as increasingly strict measures are enforced in a bid to suppress the virus.
Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, praised the positive way community groups were responding to the crisis.
She said: “The situation we find ourselves in is unprecedented and ever-changing. It’s hard to find positives. But what we can see around us is people and communities acting together to support each other and find solutions.
“The voluntary sector was born out of individual and community commitment to make things better – to overcome challenges in innovative ways. We can feel that spirit now and feel proud of it.
"At SCVO we are doing everything we can to support the sector to work together and the contacts I’ve had from people across the country wanting to do whatever they can in a consistent and thoughtful way have been so impressive.
“The voluntary sector can’t do this alone – we need support from governments, funders and the public to act collectively for the people of Scotland.”
