VALUE OF VOLUNTEERS

the value of volunteerS

Generosity of spirit is what makes Glasgow so special says the Lord Provost

Glasgow’s Lord Provost spoke for everyone in Glasgow when he paid tribute to – and recognised – the vital work done by volunteers.

Lord Provost Philip Braat said at the start of National Volunteers week in June how delighted he was to have the opportunity to personally thank everybody who volunteers.

‘I know everyone across the city will agree, this unprecedented pandemic has shone an important spotlight on the value and importance of those who choose to volunteer,’ he said.

Volunteer Glasgow, the city-based charity, is helping support local organisations with volunteering and working with people who signed up offering their assistance in response to the Covid-19 ‘Scotland Cares’ national recruitment drive.

The First Minister launched this in March and since then more than 4,450 Glaswegians offered to help.

Volunteer Glasgow manages the city’s online platform which connects people with the charities, community groups, clubs and appropriate public sector programmes that need their support.

The Volunteer Glasgow team provides guidance and matches people’s individual skills, interests and experiences to available and suitable volunteering opportunities.

David Maxwell, Volunteer Glasgow’s chief executive said: ‘We’re encouraging people to join us and demonstrate their personal thanks for those who have volunteered over the last 12 months - before and after lockdown.

Volunteer now or in the future by signing up via Volunteer Glasgow’s digital platform. Groups big and small needing more volunteers can also sign up to access the diverse skills and experience of people offering their assistance. Visit www.volunteerglasgow.org Or call Glasgow Helps phone line on 0141 345 0543 (option 2 for individuals; 3 for groups and organisations).

‘It’s been inspiring to see so many helping neighbours and working with organisations to provide support across the city during this pandemic.’

You can get involved and show your appreciation for people who volunteer by downloading Volunteer Glasgow’s template thank you cards and window posters. Or alternatively create your own.

The Lord Provost added: ‘Glaswegians are famous for their kindness and compassion. It is that sense of solidarity that motivates people to give their time to help others. At times of national crisis like this it gives us all hope for the future.’

‘These are challenging times and we can all become overwhelmed by the competing demands we face. So it is really important to celebrate volunteers across this city and beyond. ‘Generosity of spirit is what makes Glasgow so special. We all know that ‘People Make Glasgow’ a great place to live, work, study and visit.

‘I take great pride in our city and everyone who volunteers. It has been humbling to meet everyone working selflessly across our communities.’

PracTiSe Safe ShOPPing

The phrase ‘shop ‘til you drop’ has taken on a whole new, sinister meaning . . .

The spontaneous decision to ‘pop to the shops’ is a long way off yet, as is notion of spending a day just browsing and window shopping

Right now we all have a balancing act – get the economy back up and running while at the same time preventing the infection rate from flaring up again.

We have to get this right, and right first time, or we go back to full lockdown to save loss of life and the whole cycle has to repeat again.

The four-phase approach which the Scottish government has planned has flexibility built in to gradually ease our way out of this dilemma.

In each phase more shops and services will open up but the advice remains to shop locally wherever possible and keep your journeys short so what better time has there been to support all our local businesses.

Shopping is going to take longer. Social distancing will mean limiting the number of people who can go into shops and queues are going to form.

As we went to press, the news of when services like hairdressing, beauty salons and barbers will reopen was still to be announced, along with the type of measures they must take.

Pandemic fashionistas When we all step outside we need to be equipped with paper tissues, hand sanitiser, disposable gloves if necessary, and a face mask if the advice is to wear one.

If we don’t know how long we are going to be in a queue it might make sense to have a bottle of water and we need to carry all this.

How will fashion rise to the occasion?

Will we see large pockets, bigger handbags, or a small bag for these supplies carried alongside?

Never has a sporran been more useful!

an oUtbreak of good manners

The phrase ‘cough etiquette’ appears throughout the Scottish government advice.

‘Coughs and sneezes spread diseases’ as the saying goes along with the NHS slogan, ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ of using a paper handkerchief, dispose of it properly and then wash your hands.

Etiquette is a set of formal manners and rules that are followed in society.

Good manners are essential at a time like this; there are going to be queues and frustrations so make sure you leave plenty of time to shop and your bad temper at home.

All the clapping for carers, painting rainbows, and gushing social media comments in the world count for nothing if you then go out and bite the head off a shop assistant.

#jogscotlandActive

Things getting too much sometimes?

GETTING ACTIVE OUTDOORS Keeping active in a way that works for you is important to keep you feeling well in these uncertain times. And research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, energy, mood and sleep quality.

If you can take advantage of your opportunity to get outside and exercise, then this is a great time to get in a decent local walk or cycle that you can do from your doorstep. This could be a chance to really connect with nature and notice what’s around you, as the world is that little bit quieter outdoors.

If you’re not sure where to start and how to keep active whilst keeping a distance, take a look at this guide from Paths Www.clearyourhead.scot has got some tips to help you look after yourself and get through these uncertain times. With ideas about how you can keep moving, create a routine,  nd things you enjoy and keep connected with friends and family –  nding time for any of these will help to clear your head. for All. And, if you need a bit more motivation to get out and about, you could also try listening to their mood-boosting Mind to Walk podcast presented by DJ Edith Bowman.

If it’s been a while since you tried walking for exercise, Jog Scotland’s Walk for Fitness programme might help you build up your  tness.

You could even build up to running. Take a look at Jog Scotland’s Learn to Run guide, or you could try downloading the ‘Couch to 5K’ app from iTunes or from Google Play.

To make getting outside a little more fun with little ones, you could try playing ‘I spy’ on your local walk, or getting your kids to hop, skip and jump over the lines and cracks in the pavement.

For more ideas on keeping the whole family active, visit Parent Club or take a look at The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Learning Zone, which has a range of free and fun activities to help children of all ages to stay connected with nature during the lockdown.

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