The efforts of third sector organisations in helping communities through the coronavirus crisis has been highlighted to Highland councillors.
In Caithness, 29 groups have been providing support – including collecting and distributing food, dispensing hand sanitiser, supplying companionship to isolated individuals and helping out with shopping, collecting and delivering prescriptions and dog walking.
Allan Tait from Caithness Voluntary Group told councillors that local organisations are now preparing for future challenges such as furlough ending in October.
He said: “We will also be looking at developing capacity to provide much needed mental health support.”
Councillors also heard from the police that compliance with restrictions had been “very good” in Caithness, with only two breaches being reported.
Karen Derrick of Voluntary Action Badenoch and Strathspey (VABS) said there had been a huge volunteering response from the third sector and local community there in recent months.
Nine community response teams, with more than 800 registered volunteers, have been working across the area.
She said: “VABS has experienced an overwhelmingly positive response and we have seen the most fantastic work undertaken by community volunteers over the past months.
“There is a real appreciation of the partnership working going on, which has been phenomenal, and the council has paid a very key part.”
