Community Support Available During the COVID-19 Outbreak

March 26, 2020

While the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak is ongoing, it is heart-warming to see organisations and businesses playing their part to help vulnerable people, and many people willing to volunteer their support.

Groceries and Banking

Shops

Iceland – some of their supermarkets are giving pensioners one hour to shop, while others it’s two.
Sainsburys – From March 23, customers over the age of 70 and shoppers with a disability will have priority access to online delivery slots. NHS and social care workers have a dedicated shopping slot between 7.30am and 8am Monday to Saturday.
M&S – NHS staff will be given exclusive access to their stores for the first trading hour every Tuesday and Friday, while on Monday and Thursday the first hour has been set aside for the elderly and vulnerable.
Asda – Priority access will be given to NHS workers in larger stores every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am. However, the supermarket said it hasn’t allocated a specific time for the elderly but will be assisting the most vulnerable get access to its online delivery service.
Morrisons – NHS staff will be given early access between 7am and 8am, every day except on Sundays. Similar to Asda, Morrisons said it did not have specific hours for the elderly and vulnerable.

Food Deliveries

Well-Fed Scotland CIC, based at the Whiteinch Centre, is providing people in our community with free food deliveries, fresh meals and other supplies during the coronavirus pandemic.

If you think you or someone you know could benefit from their support at this difficult time, please call their office on 0141 954 2006 or visit the Whiteinch Centre (1 Northinch Court, Glasgow G14 0UG) between 9 am and 7 pm, any day of the week. They are also currently accepting food donations.
Birth Baby & Beyond is now delivering free Emergency Baby Packs for families in Glasgow facing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Banks and Building Societies

Building society – Nationwide has said it would open an hour early – at 8am instead of the usual 9am – at 100 branches across the UK for customers over the age of 70 and those with underlying health conditions.
Banks – Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays and Santander have created help pages for customers having difficulties with banking during the pandemic.
Energy companies – Utilita have dedicated an Extra Care Team to help vulnerable customers. They can be reached at 03452 072 000.

Volunteering

Before offering your support to help those vulnerable in our community, please ask yourself, “Am I well enough to help?” and “Will I put others at risk if I do?”. It is imperative that we remain safe and follow the social distancing guidance.

Organisations and community groups across Glasgow North West are seeking volunteers at the crucial time to help support logistics, distribution and other key aspects of their workings so that they can reach vulnerable groups.

Please check with local Glasgow NW groups, such as Glasgow Mutual Aid Covid-19 Volunteers or go to Volunteer Glasgow / Volunteer Scotland should you require further information.

There are a number of online groups, such as the Coronavirus Scottish Support Group, which are supporting those self-isolating.

If you are looking to reach people who may not have access to the internet, please contact local groups and organisations to see how you can help.

Third-sector Health Guidance

Your first port of call is the NHS website for advice on coronavirus. If you are needing further guidance on how to manage an illness or health condition at this time, you may find the information below helpful.

Educational resources

Given the current school closures, many websites have upped their online learning resources.

Organisational Initiatives and Advice

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