VULNERABLE residents in Drumchapel and surrounding areas are being urged to contact their local support group for help and professional advice during the coronavirus outbreak.

Drumchapel Cares Covid-19 group was established before lockdown by local councillor Elspeth Kerr who is working in partnership with Drumchapel Community Council, COPE Scotland (Caring Over People’s Emotions) and Thriving Places to offer support to those most in need.

With around 100 volunteers they have managed to help at least 500 people a week get shopping, prescriptions as well as install pieces of equipment including washing machines and fridges.

The organisation is looking to help even more people as the pandemic continues.

Councillor Kerr said: “I raised this idea at the last community council meeting when I said that we should have something in place to help people when the country went into lockdown.

“We came up with a document and a list of potential issues people in the community might face as a result of lockdown and recruited 40 volunteers who are on standby to deliver food and prescriptions to those who can’t leave their homes.

“We have changed lightbulbs, installed fridges and washing machines in people’s homes because companies are not offering that service anymore.

“So far we have managed to help about 500 people every week in the community. We also offer a buddy service where we phone people, who feel isolated and lonely, as much as they want to give them contact with the outside world and provide some sort of normality.”

Councillor Kerr also pointed out that the number of people being referred to their local food bank has more than doubled.

She continued: “We used to give out food every Tuesday and Friday but we are now handing out packages every day.

“We have delivered food packages to people on behalf of FareShare. We distribute to families who don’t have groceries because they can’t afford to buy them or are unable to get to the supermarket.

“Although we have helped many people, I am sure there are many others we have not managed to reach who need our help.

“We are putting postcards through doors with our contact details so people can get in touch.”

Anyone who wants more information or help from their community can get in touch via drumchapelcovid19@gmail.com or on 0141 280 7025.