Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Solicitors for Older People Scotland (SOPS) are offering free advice on Power of Attorney, to support older individuals who may face challenges around illness, care, or long-term social isolation. Powers of Attorney can be used to deal with all legal and financial matters; the person appointing the Attorney need not have lost legal capacity to make decisions, and just is unable to deal with these matters for a period.
News
Home Energy Scotland: COVID-19 Support
Home Energy Scotland is a free, impartial energy advice service from Scottish Government. They are keen to help householders whose home heating and energy use will be affected by staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advisers are available to help with any questions people may have around staying warm and saving energy whilst self-isolating.
Go! Youth Trust Online Support During 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.
The Fun Gang Online Children’s Parties
As part of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, local social enterprise The Fun Gang has moved all their shows and parties online. The team are determined to bring some fun to children during self-isolation and social distancing, by bringing their songs, magic shows, puppets and games straight to living rooms. They will be streaming parties live as well as recording parties for future viewing.
Forth Valley Third Sector Conference 2020 Postponement
After very careful consideration, we are very sad to have to inform you of our decision to postpone our 2020 Forth Valley Third Sector Conference. The teams will be working hard to bring you a bigger and better conference at a later date. We will be in touch in due course and hope you will be able to join us once we have a new date confirmed.
Volunteer Scotland Guidance for Organisations During COVID-19
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).
LAST CHANCE: Money Saving Expert COVID-19 Poverty Relief Grant
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 Support for Businesses During COVID-19
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.
Volunteering During COVID-19 in Falkirk
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.
Emergency Funding to Help Communities During COVID-19 Announced
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.
