Want to help out during COVID-19? Click this link to register!
There has been an amazing response from across our Falkirk communities to the COVID-19 pandemic, with everything from individuals checking on their neighbours or volunteering to help the local third sector continue its essential work, to local shops offering free delivery and supplies to older or vulnerable people, to community groups providing free meals for children during this time.
We at CVS Falkirk have compiled a list of community support and resources available in Falkirk and District, and at the top of that list, how you can get involved locally to help out.
If you’re looking to help out in your local communities during this time, please complete the Community Response Volunteers (COVID-19) online form. We will then be in touch with yourselves, along with groups and organisations, to help match up your offer with their needs.
You can also check out our dedicated page on volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes links to other resources like Ready Scotland’s page.
On behalf of the Falkirk third sector, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in volunteering and helping out during this time.
At CVS Falkirk, we’ve also put together this handy “Being A Good Neighbour” resource for everyone, with information on how to introduce yourself to your neighbours, maintaining boundaries and personal safety, and what to do if you’re concerned about any of your neighbours.
To view or download the “Being A Good Neighbour” resource, please visit the CVS Falkirk website.
We have organised lists of local support and resources available throughout Falkirk communities, divided by area, and available to view or download on our dedicated Local Support page.
You can also visit our Twitter and Facebook pages where we will be sharing everything we are aware of.
If you would like to help us build this list or make us aware of anything your group is doing during this time, please complete the online form. We will use this form to build a more complete picture of what is going on in Falkirk, and to help match volunteers to where they are needed.
Our team at CVS Falkirk has also set up an online TapaTalk group to discuss third sector responses and offers for help, which any group or organisation can join and feed into after reading the guidance document.
To join, or for further information, please visit the TapaTalk page.
Alternatively, contact Scott Malcolm by email: Scott.Malcolm@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
COVID-19 Third Sector Response Forum
We are also hosting a COVID-19 online forum every month, using Zoom: the COVID-19 Third Sector Response Forum. These meetings can be accessed via the Zoom link, or with the meeting ID: 937 3309 1541 (password: 448687). The next meeting will take place on Thursday 23rd July, 1pm – 3pm.
Further COVID-19 Third Sector Response Forums are scheduled for:
- Thursday 20th August, 1pm – 3pm
For further information (including a full list of forum dates and minutes of previous meetings), visit the COVID-19 Third Sector Response Forum page.
Compassionate and Included Communities Forum
In addition, we are supporting the Compassionate and Included Communities Forum, which covers mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, community needs, and how communities can be supported by the sector and its partners. The Forum is chaired by a third sector organisation, and facilitated by CVS Falkirk.
Minutes of the Thursday 10th June meeting are now available to view or download.
The next meeting will take place via Zoom on Wednesday 5th August, 3pm – 5pm. For further information, including how to attend, please contact Scott Malcolm by email: Scott.Malcolm@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
A number of Facebook groups have been created to support people during this time, including Falkirk Coronavirus Community Support, Temporary Home Education Families (private group) which aims to support temporary breaks in school attendance like the current school closures, Scotland registered childminders for Covid-19 school closures, Central Falkirk Neighbourhood Buddies set up to build a network of grassroots neighbourhood support and action, the Denny and Dunipace Coronavirus Community Response Group, and COVID-19 Forth Valley Support Group (Coronavirus 2020).
Many local community Facebook groups from the wider Falkirk areas are also providing information, support and resources. Surrounding areas have also set up their own forms of COVID-19 support groups – such as the Cumbernauld COVID-19 support group – while many other community pages have dedicated themselves to support around COVID-19.
MinuteMan Falkirk has uploaded a template postcard from Virtual Kindness which can be printed off and posted through the door to elderly, vulnerable or otherwise isolated neighbours during the COVID-19 situation.
The postcard aims to reduce social isolation and access to essentials. Those sending it to their neighbours are encouraged to wash their hands first.
MinuteMan Falkirk also has a supply of these postcards available for free, for anyone who does not have access to a printer. Their front office is currently closed to the public, and those looking for postcards will have to call in advance to make collection arrangements.
To arrange postcards, or for further information, please contact Keith Cohen by phone: 01324 613636.
