Nearly 80,000 sign up for coronavirus volunteer army

Volunteers' duties will include delivering shopping and getting essential supplies for vulnerable people.

STV News

1st May 2020

More than 76,000 people in Scotland have registered as volunteers to help communities and public services during the pandemic.

Induction programmes are preparing volunteers for their duties and many are already delivering food, getting essential supplies and medication to vulnerable people and phoning people who need assistance or companionship.

In NHS Scotland, 700 people have been offered employment while more than 3600 former staff are preparing to return to work

The Scottish Government is temporarily suspending its Scotland Cares campaign, which launched last month, as it prepares to launch the next phase of its strategy.

So far, more than 35,000 people have signed up with Volunteer Scotland to help charities and community groups, almost 19,000 will help the British Red Cross support public services and more than 23,000 health and social care workers and students have either joined the service or returned to work.

Communities secretary Aileen Campbell said: “In addition to the thousands of amazing volunteers who were already giving their time and energy to help their communities, I want to thank each and every person who has signed up.

“I am sure I speak for everyone across Scotland when I say we are appreciative and grateful for this public spiritedness which will ensure people across the country get the help and support they need.”