More than 100 students and retired care workers have pledged to help the city's most vulnerable in response to an official appeal. 

Glasgow City Council was forced to suspend home care services to 1600 elderly people across the city as it faced grave staffing issues within its home care sector. 

READ MORE: Home care to be suspended for 1600 people in Glasgow in coronavirus crisis

Alongside the city's Health and Social Care Partnership, the two bodies appealed for student and retired care workers to join the force as staffing levels depleted due to the effects of coronavirus. 

As it stands, a total of 97 students who are currently completing their fourth year Social Work degrees have pledged their support in assisting with home care services in one of five elderly residential homes across the city. 

In complying with government guidelines, the students will receive intensive training so as they can deliver a wide range of services to those with different needs. 

In addition, 13 recently retired homecarers and five residential care home staff have also re-joined the service and are being offered refresher training.

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Frances McMeeking, Assistant Chief Officer for Operational Care Services, Glasgow City HSCP, said: “Unfortunately, in these most challenging and exceptional circumstances, we are being forced to make some very difficult decisions prioritising limited resources with those most in need.  

“Our remarkable staff, both on the frontline and supporting in our operations centre, are under immense pressure to continue to deliver care services to some of the most vulnerable citizens.

"These students and retired staff members, although not solving the growing problem, will provide some support in the short-term.”

Connor Mullen, studying for his Master’s degree in Social Work at Glasgow Caledonian University, said; “When I received a request from the HSCP to help social care services, I put home support as my first choice as it was needed most.

“Also a big factor in my decision was my wee gran, who is entirely dependent on the support she receives at home, so I know how important it is.

“The training I’ve received over the past three days has taught me so much. Every member of the training staff were professional and supportive in challenging circumstances.

“I have a newfound respect for the homecare staff - the frontline workers, caring for the vulnerable in our communities and I feel privileged as a social work student to be given this opportunity to help.”