South Ayrshire's Covid helpline supports thousands of local people

Employee volunteers who staff South Ayrshire’s dedicated Covid Helpline have made over 10,000 calls to local people who are shielding to offer support, including with access to food and essential medication deliveries. The team has also handled 3,491 incoming calls from residents looking for help.

The dedicated helpline, staffed by 90 employee volunteers, was set up at the beginning of April and has proved to be a huge success.

Employee volunteers have been amazed at the positive response from residents. Lorna, a volunteer call handler, said: "We've received fantastic feedback and it's great to know that we are making a difference to people when they need us most. People really do appreciate the help and support."

Jane Bradley, Assistant Director – People said - "Our staff are incredibly hard working and very proud of the jobs that they do. However, the response of staff during this pandemic has been nothing short of amazing. Their commitment to supporting people in need and their dedication to ensuring that people know that we are there to help them is fundamental to the success of this service. They are making a difference every day to the people of South Ayrshire."

Councillor Douglas Campbell, Leader of the Council said – "It really is remarkable that, working together, we managed to set up a dedicated virtual contact centre, train 90 employee volunteers and handle almost 13, 500 calls in such a short time.

"I'd like to thank all employees who have been involved in or volunteered to manage the helpline. They really have gone the extra mile to help our local communities during this pandemic. We know that this is a particularly anxious time for people who have complex needs and health conditions or who have been advised to shield. The team has gone above and beyond to make sure we have contacted every South Ayrshire resident who is on the shielding list, from phoning and writing to them, to safely calling at their homes to make sure they have the support they need.”