What are local groups doing to support people?

Since the end of March 2020 over 120 local faith groups and related community organisations - from Thurso in the north to Annan in the south - have received grants totaling approximately £100,000. Much of the focus is obviously on providing food and essentials to people in greatest need at this time, especially older people, homeless people, women at increased risk of domestic violence, refugees and asylum seekers. Alongside this, the key focus is on ensuring people stay connected and included (by phone/internet as well as by post and print for those who can’t do digital technology for whatever reason) as much as possible, and that families are able to engage in creative activity.

Tackling isolation and providing food and essentials is the primary aim of many projects. However, a significant number of them are also providing other essential services such as phone top-up cards and telephone services. Telephone helplines, shopping and doorstep chat services, providing families and particular groups with a wide variety of creative activities such as art activity packs, sewing machines, board games and internet bolt-ons are just some of the ways in which local groups are keeping people safe, connected and included.

You can look at map of projects supported with brief details here

Some examples

Coatbridge Stay Connected Project - grant towards telephone helpline and family activity packs find out more and watch video

Kate’s Kitchen, Annan - grant towards mobile phones to keep volunteers connected and supporting people with food delivery - find out more

Sikhs in Scotland food delivery - grant towards food items for food parcel delivery find out more

Soul Food Edinburgh - grant towards adapting food provision for people who are homeless find out more

Rainbow Muslim Women’s Group, Falkirk - grant towards food and essentials for women and families find out more