Many local people have come forward to offer their help and support during the current COVID-19 crisis and we are delighted that there has been such a positive community response during these difficult times.
VASLan are in regular contact with over 1.300 people offering their help and support and we want to ensure that local voluntary groups are aware of the rich and diverse mix of potential volunteers.
Charismatic chef's dare takes Lanarkshire town by storm
A Nigerian chef, affectionately known as Mr T, has cooked up a storm of kindness in a Lanarkshire town - by providing thousands of free African meals to vulnerable residents.
Mr T - real name Tuoyo Ayiku - is at the centre of a crack unit of volunteers who cook and deliver mouth watering cuisine for people in Larkhall, many of whom have been shielding.
Mr T's menu ranges from delicious African stews, curries, rainbow fried rice, jerk chicken to Scottish staples - including mince and tatties.
Every three months South Lanarkshire’s Third Sector Interface travels to the four localities for to facilitate Third Sector Forums. This is a chance for organisations to network, expand their knowledge and ask their burning questions.
The new 'My Life, My Money Lanarkshire' app will help to support the Lanarkshire community with welfare and money worries.
It contains useful resources which provide information, advice and guidance. You can find out more on the NHS Lanarkshire website:
https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/financial-inclusion/?fbclid=IwAR24NyAub-gNZwepCgMlEOtTj45HTSI04ut7BU1fgnA83p1fn6jJF3Jd0rQ
A new helpline is now available for individuals living in South Lanarkshire who are self-isolating/vulnerable and whose usual support network is no longer available.
The helpline will help people to access food and other essential supplies. The Community Engagement Team within the council have been working along with VASLAN to collate activity which is happening within communities, and to make contact with new groups and networks which are developing in response to the current situation.
Disclosure Scotland are making a temporary change to how applications are processed.
They have been working closely with the Scottish Government and key stakeholders on our response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
In addition to their prioritisation of checks for those who have the most vital roles supporting the country during this time, as of Monday 30 March they will no longer be accepting paper applications.
On Monday (30 March) a new page will go live on their website with all the materials you need to continue to submit applications.
The Third Sector Resilience Fund (TSRF) is a £20 million emergency fund for third sector organisations in Scotland. It is part of a £350m support package for the sector in Scotland in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The fund will support organisations across the third sector who are at risk of closure due to a sharp decrease in income or that are unable to deliver their services during this difficult period.
Dear community and voluntary groups,
We know that these are difficult times and that many of you have been working very hard to make sure that the vulnerable people in your communities continue to be supported.
Following on from last night’s announcement by the Prime Minister and the First Minister we now need your ongoing help and assistance in supporting the needs of your local communities.
We will very shortly provide information on how you can to do this safely by following the guidance you will be given.
Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire are following all government advice on how to respond to the coronavirus (Covid-19) situation, we will keep the Third Sector and stakeholders informed of any changes in our working practices and services.
In line with this advice, as of Friday 20th March 2020 we introducing a ‘Work from Home’ model until further notice. Our staff have been provided with the necessary infrastructure to ensure that we can maintain support and contact with South Lanarkshire’s Third Sector and our partners.
Over recent days we have seen a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases within Lanarkshire. It is our priority that everyone in our community remains safe and is aware of the advice and guidelines provided by the Scottish Government, NHS and the Local Authority.
As it currently stands we are being asked by the Scottish Government to remain at home and only leave our homes for essentials: