New resource to ensure community groups are safe during the Covid-19 outbreak
/A new online resource has been released to support community organisations to carry out their vital work safely during the Covid-19 outbreak.
The online resource, developed by SCDC and Public Health Scotland, features a range of practical information and advice, such as:
Safely promoting an organisation’s services
making sure volunteers are safe and fit to provide services
getting help with complex care needs
collect and delivering items
cooking and transporting hot meals
In towns and villages across Scotland, community organisations and volunteers are fighting COVID 19 and this resource is designed to help them do this as safely as possible.
Whether groups are starting up, or taking stock of an existing service, following this advice reduces risks of indirect transmission of the virus on packaging or other forms of contact when we support people in their homes.
The advice helps those providing services to think how they could break the chains of potential infection from the store to the door.
Mick Doyle, Head of Programme at SCDC, said:
“Community groups are feeding and providing social support for thousands of households in some form of isolation because of the virus or the economic hardship it has caused. Most have never done anything like this before. We think this resource will help people think through the issues and provide practical advice to make what they do as safe as possible as the crisis continues.”
Communities and public services working together to make social distancing and self-isolation work is key to how Scotland can beat this crisis, and a great example of vital partnership working.
Bill Gray, Organisational Lead for Community Development at Public Health Scotland said:
“National bodies working together, informed by community evidence and experience, is why Public Health Scotland was established. Our ability to quickly engage and involve colleagues from Health Protection Scotland ensures that this resource provides the most up to date and accurate information available, helping volunteers, groups and networks continue to deliver vital support in the safest way possible. This resource is a timely example of what can be achieved when the national and the local work together.”
Groups will be encouraged to raise questions and shape the advice in future.
View the resource here and contact Sam.jordan@scdc.org.uk for further information.
