COVID-19

Go! Youth Trust have developed an online timetable to continue to mentor and befriend young people who struggle with anxiety, via Zoom conferencing and Instagram. They have also organised various online drop-in services for people to stay connected whilst isolating during COVID-19, including “Jog ‘n’ Blog”, Games Drop-In and a Netflix Party. Additionally, they are also collecting old smart phones, devices and data SIM cards for young people who don’t have a way of accessing the internet.

Volunteer Scotland has compiled a series of guidance documents for organisation supporting volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including: Practical Guidance for Organisations Managing Volunteers during Covid-19 (“Please note: only services which are essential should be provided in communities. Volunteers should be encouraged to look out for their neighbours.”), Advertising Opportunities During COVID-19, and PVG and Coronavirus (COVID-19).

With a deadline of 11:59pm THIS WEDNESDAY 25th MARCH, Martin Lewis (of the Money Saving Expert) has launched a £1 million fund to provide grants to small and local charities who are directly helping with the COVID-19 response. Eligible recipients will include, but are not limited to: foodbanks, charities engaged in community aid, and financial advice projects.

Scottish Government has launched a helpline providing businesses (which includes small, local business and social enterprises) across Scotland with advice and guidance on COVID-19. The helpline will also help identify the current challenges facing businesses. The helpline is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm on: 0300 303 0660. Callers should select option one to speak to the COVID-19 team. Scottish Government also announced a £320 million support package to limit the impact of COVID-19 on businesses in Scotland during the 2020-21 financial year.

As part of our COVID-19 Community Responses, Resources and Guidance page, we are working to pull together a list of groups and opportunities available for those looking to help out. Once this information is published, anyone will be able to search what’s being done in their local area. Those looking to help out in their local communities during this time, please complete the Community Response Volunteers (COVID-19) online form.

The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, Aileen Campbell MSP, has announced an additional £350 million of emergency funding for those most affected by the COVID-19 situation. The funding will be made available to councils, third sector groups and charities, businesses and community groups, and is designed to be flexible, enabling them to respond swiftly and according to local need for people impacted economically or through reduced contact with society.

Doctors of the World has released translations of COVID-19 guidance for patients in over 20 languages, produced in partnership with the British Red Cross, Migrant Help and Clear Voice. The guidance is based on the NHS and UK Government’s latest advice and health information. Languages currently available include Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Pashto, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese, amongst others.