Covid-19: How can I help?
If you need third sector support, please reach out to us via phone at 0300 303 4141 or email at support@argylltsi.org.uk.
The Argyll & Bute Council have added a "Help for Communities" page, which is part of their dedicated COVID-19 section.
There is a multiagency Caring for People Helpline, which can offer help with Financial; Business; Health; Education; Registration; Social, Domestic and Medical Homecare Needs and volunteering. Call 01546 605524, from 9am to 5pm, Mon-Fri; a 24hr online help form is also available. If you have other options, please leave this line open for vulnerable people. More info on the helpline can be found here. Note that this number is NOT for health concerns related to the virus; for those you should refer to the NHS website here.
If there is anything you think should be added to this page--or have any other questions or concerns--please contact our Office Manager Lauren Martin, laurenmartin@argylltsi.org.uk
The Argyll & Bute Council have added a "Help for Communities" page, which is part of their dedicated COVID-19 section.
There is a multiagency Caring for People Helpline, which can offer help with Financial; Business; Health; Education; Registration; Social, Domestic and Medical Homecare Needs and volunteering. Call 01546 605524, from 9am to 5pm, Mon-Fri; a 24hr online help form is also available. If you have other options, please leave this line open for vulnerable people. More info on the helpline can be found here. Note that this number is NOT for health concerns related to the virus; for those you should refer to the NHS website here.
If there is anything you think should be added to this page--or have any other questions or concerns--please contact our Office Manager Lauren Martin, laurenmartin@argylltsi.org.uk
There has been a tremendous outpouring of individuals and organisations wanting to help others in this time of crisis. TSI is working with other agencies to coordinate a response to volunteering opportunities. Whatever you choose to do, please remember to stay safe and require all staff and volunteers to follow guidelines on how to interact with others. You can find Argyll & Bute's guidelines here: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/coronavirus/help-for-communities#guidance
INFORMATION ON SAFE INTERACTIONS:
Please ensure you have the latest information from the UK and Scottish Governments regarding what kinds of outside movement and interactions are permitted.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES:
INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS:
INFORMATION ON SAFE INTERACTIONS:
Please ensure you have the latest information from the UK and Scottish Governments regarding what kinds of outside movement and interactions are permitted.
- Per the UK government (as of 24 March):
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work (which includes "to provide care or to help a vulnerable person")
- Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Consult Argyll & Bute's Guidance for volunteering safety here: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/coronavirus/help-for-communities#guidance
- Review our Information for Organisations section, which includes points on safely organising volunteer interactions: https://www.argylltsi.org/infosheets.html
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES:
- The multi-agency partnership managing the emergency response in Argyll and Bute has opportunities posted in the Volunteer Argyll & Bute portal; please register if you would like to help: https://volunteerargyllandbute.org/vk/volunteers/my_opportunities_events.htm?event=1781
- The British Red Cross have a Community Reserve Volunteers https://reserves.redcross.org.uk/. BRC are also coordinating volunteers in partnership with other third sector organisations including SCVO.
- SCVO has a Volunteering section in their Information Hub which they are continuing to update: https://scvo.org.uk/support/coronavirus/volunteering
- SVCO also has information on volunteering or helping out in your area: https://covid-19.scvo.org.uk/volunteer
- Volunteer Scotland has information on their site here: https://www.volunteerscotland.net/covid-19/
INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS:
- The UK Coronavirus Bill has allowed for some relaxation of PVG requirements for volunteers. For more information, see Volunteer Scotland's site: https://www.volunteerscotland.net/for-organisations/disclosure-services/pvg-and-coronavirus-covid-19/ as well as the mygov.scot site: https://www.mygov.scot/organisations/disclosure-scotland/
- If you are on furlough, you can still volunteer, provided that you are not:
- working for your employer,
- making money for your employer, or
- providing services to your employer
- more info from the UK government is here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme#while-youre-on-furlough
- Insurance for drivers -- note that If you are using your own car for voluntary purposes to transport medicines or groceries to support others who are impacted by Covid-19, your cover will not be affected. You do not need to contact your insurer to update your documents or extend your cover. More information about insurance at this time can be found here: https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/coronavirus-hub/motor-insurance/
- Argyll and Bute Council has now clarified insurance arrangements for some Third Sector Organisations providing services during the coronavirus emergency, particularly community groups. Please see the guidance here.