North Ayrshire Council has set up a community support hub network to tackle the challenges of Covid-19. The community support hubs bring together council staff and volunteers to meet the demand of assisting residents in Arran, North Coast & Cumbrae, Garnock Valley, Irvine, Kilwinning and the Three Towns.
In one week the hubs have answered over 2,200 calls, carried out 2,153 food deliveries and 746 prescription drop-offs, while the hub teams have provided advice and signposting to over 400 residents to key statutory services.
Since being established on March 24, the hubs are also in the process of providing helpful solutions to over 3,800 support requests which include supporting vulnerable residents and those in isolation to access emergency food supplies as well as connecting with people struggling with money worries, social isolation and poor mental health.
The hubs have also supported 60 residents as part of their #perioddignity campaign to stamp out period poverty, helping them to access free period products during the pandemic.
Due to current social distancing guidance, the hubs are not open for the public and work on a rota basis to keep to a minimal number of people.
Councillor Louise McPhater, Cabinet Member for Communities, has been volunteering via the Irvine locality hub. She said: “I have experienced first-hand the selfless drive, bravery and determination of everyone involved in this immense community effort.
“Without the help of 600 volunteers (and counting) signing up so far, we simply could not have reached the record numbers of local people in need this week who are depending on us as a lifeline as we navigate our way through the community challenges of the coronavirus.”
Together with the Council’s Facilities Management teams, the community hubs will continue to work in partnership with North Ayrshire Foodbank to provide food provision to families and vulnerable shielding residents during the pandemic.
With not everyone being eligible for free food packages, the locality hubs are bridging the gap to assist people to get the essential groceries they need where no other help is available.
Councillor McPhater added: “With the continued support of the community hub locality leads, Facilities Management teams, North Ayrshire Foodbank and our network of community partners, I am confident we can continue to play a pivotal role in tackling the difficulties faced by so many during these unprecedented times.
“I would urge anyone else who is willing to help out to get in touch. Whether you’re looking to volunteer from home, supporting us with daily check-in phone calls or helping our team of drivers to deliver essential items, we want to hear from you.”
Further Information
North Ayrshire Council: Community support hubs have a record week helping residents in need