Highland Council’s Covid helpline has handled over 5,000 calls in the two weeks since it was set up.
The helpline provides support for those needing urgent assistance, including those shielding or otherwise vulnerable, and anyone interested in volunteering.
There is also access to advice on welfare benefits, education guidance and support including pupil and teacher digital support and free school meals, key worker childcare and business grants.
All these go through the single helpline number, 0300 303 1362.
For this Friday May bank holiday the helpline line will be working slightly reduced hours of 10am to 4pm.
There is an out-of-hours emergency weekend service, accessible through the helpline, for those in need of urgent support.
The helpline continues to be operated by council staff volunteers .
The council has paid particular tribute to Eden Court staff who played an important part in the success of the helpline service in its initial weeks.
Council leader councillor Margaret Davidson said: “The speed in which the helpline was established is a credit to them and all our own staff who will be continuing to assist anyone who contacts the helpline.
“The high level of calls shows the importance of continuing to provide as much support to people as possible so I would encourage anyone needing urgent assistance to call the helpline as staff are ready to help.”
