It is national Volunteers' Week from 1-7 June and both the Council and East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action (EDVA) are keen to recognise the amazing efforts of volunteers locally, particularly in response to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Joint Council Leader Andrew Polson, said, "The coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown restrictions put in place to control its spread and protect our communities have had a hugely challenging impact. Volunteers across East Dunbartonshire have been instrumental in providing essential support to our communities, carrying out a wide range of roles, from operating helplines to getting and delivering shopping and delivering prescriptions to the most vulnerable who are unable to get out of the house. Huge thanks go to each and every one of them for their fantastic efforts, which make such a big difference."
To reach the Council for community support, residents can phone the national free helpline on 0800 111 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and they'll be put through to one of our local team. They can also contact the OPAL Advice Line to request support, especially for assistance with shopping and prescriptions on 0141 438 2347.
Joint Council Leader Vaughan Moody added, "There are formal and informal volunteers whose daily activities make a big difference in our response to Covid-19 and all are highly valued. From those that are working with established organisations such as EDVA and OPAL to those checking up on their neighbours and helping to look after their local areas. Their willingness to want to help and to give up their time is hugely appreciated and makes such a difference to those that need additional support at this time. We really can’t thank them enough."
Local Third Sector Interface East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action (EDVA), which runs the Volunteer Centre in East Dunbartonshire, is working closely with OPAL in its Covid-19 response, and Chief Officer Alex Meikle said, "There has been a tremendous community response from groups and individuals to the Covid-19 emergency in East Dunbartonshire which EDVA is proud to support and assist. We've had an incredible local response for volunteers which we're highlighting daily during Volunteers' Week. EDVA will continue to participate in and support the wonderful work that's being done locally throughout the pandemic and beyond."
To get involved as a volunteer in East Dunbartonshire, contact EDVA - by telephone on 0141 578 6680 or e-mail info@edva.org - who will get back to you and link you with a volunteer team in your area.
For information on all of the support available in the community in these challenging times, including the national and local helpline numbers, visit the Council’s dedicated Community Support page on the website.
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