A COMMUNITY organisation in Drumchapel is part of a 300-strong voluntary group effort to support people through the coronavirus lockdown.

COPE Scotland is part of the Glasgow Help Hub dealing with a variety of issues people are ­experiencing.

A hub helpline has helped more than 1,000 since the end of March.

COPE staff and volunteers said many people who have asked for help are worried about the future, even after lockdown is lifted.

Hilda Campbell, COPE’s chief executive, said: “We are speaking to people with worries about work, family, money and access to food, loneliness and anxiety due to social isolation, relationship issues and uncertainty about the future.

“We are in uncertain times, with an uncertain future which in itself is anxiety provoking, helping people find ways to navigate through this and suffer less is what inspires all we do.”

People who have lost someone during the lockdown are struggling with the rules around social distancing, and funerals at a time when the contact of family and friends is ever more important.

Linda, a former mental health nurse, said: “We find we are offering more ‘compassionate listening’ as lockdown and social isolation has made the grieving process even more challenging for people.

“The support network which may be there normally isn’t the same and the whole experience of someone dying and organising a funeral is changed for now.”

Ian Bruce, chief executive of Glasgow Council for Voluntary Services, said: “Depending on the type of issue people need help with, we have 300 organisations which we can signpost people to and also a bank of volunteers who are offering their time and skills.

“GCVS, Volunteer Glasgow and the city’s public services have been working in partnership to support people at this difficult time. We are working to offer a text service for those whose first language isn’t English. We can currently offer support in Polish and Cantonese.”

Glasgow residents who need support while self-isolating or in lockdown can phone 0141 345 0543 for help or email helpline@gcvs.org.uk

People can also visit the website at glasgowhelps.org.