A new online platform formed to help people during the pandemic has already attracted 10,000 community-spirited Highlanders.
Highland Covid-19, started by Inverness-based events team Planit Scotland, is a dedicated resource for people across the north Highlands to get free access to online activities, advice and help at their doorsteps.
Local travel and shopping times, mental health and wellbeing support, recipes, home schooling, kids’ activities, adult learning, as well as legal and financial advice for individuals and businesses are available.
Cecilia Grigor, managing director of Planit Scotland and Highland Covid-19, said: “We wanted to create a dedicated online resource to help people living in the north Highlands during the coronavirus pandemic and can be accessed for free at the simple click of a button.
“We believe that communication is more vital than ever right now. This is a worrying time for everyone, so we want to give people easy access to guidance and resources in one easy to find place.
“We also want to highlight the free services and activities that people can benefit from during this difficult time.
“As we find ourselves in isolation and detached from the world outside, this can be a lonely time for anyone, especially those who may be dealing with poor mental health.
“Creating this online community will allow people a sense of belonging and inclusion, as well as providing a safe space when people need it most.”
The initiative has received funding from The North Highland Initiative’s Community Support Programme to help reach the widest possible audience during the pandemic.
David Whiteford, chairman of the North Highland Initiative, said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to provide financial support to Planit Scotland and Highland Covid-19.
“Our vital new initiative is already helping communities that are experiencing particular hardship as a result of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
“Our aim is to target areas, projects, and local initiatives for which government support packages may not be able to assist, and those ineligible for emergency funding.
“With a limit of £1,000 of funding per project available, this allows us to provide multiple smaller grants aimed at reaching out to as many communities as possible and we now want to encourage even more community groups from across the North Highlands to apply.”
People living in the North Highlands are now being invited to share their own local community support information on the Highland Covid-19 website.
Business that are continuing to provide a food box service across the region are also being asked to distribute flyers for the Highland Covid-19 project to help those in need.
For more information visit the website, Facebook and Twitter or email highlandcovid-19@planitscotland.com.
