New group set up as lifeline in Bellshill Mossend and Thorniewood

The Communities Together initiative was launched on Monday (April 27).

This aims to provide a co-ordinated approach to the Coronavirus crisis through a designated telephone number and email address which will operate seven days a week.

And its central base of operations is in Bellshill YMCA.

Here, food parcels will be put together and delivered to vulnerable people in the various neighbourhoods dotted around the new group’s boundaries.

The collection of prescriptions and a shopping service for no-one to pick up groceries for them can also be arranged - and more volunteers are needed to bring this wide-ranging service up to speed.

In addition, there will be signposting and guidance available via the helpline where people can be linked in to befriending or the range of services available for a chat during the challenging times that have become a reality in the second three week stage of lockdown across the nation.

This new means of reaching out has brought together by a wide range of partners and volunteers in a short time to sustainably address the issues being faced by the community.

The chairman of Communities Together is Bellshill Councillor Jordan Linden.

The Scottish National Party man said: “Covid-19 is the biggest challenge we and our communities have faced in our lifetimes .

“The measures we take to deal with it must reflect its magnitude.

“Indeed, the changes we are asking people to make are difficult, and will feel very different to normal life for many.

“And whilst it remains absolutely vital that we continue to adhere to these measures to slow down the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives, it is equally important that we support the most vulnerable in our communities.

“Communities Together has been born out of local people contacting me and others to set up a way of co-ordinating and pulling together the strands of help across our community.

“We aim provide all of that from a central point in partnership with others across the wider area.

“Truly, our aim is to bring communities together through our organisation during the Coronavirus battle.”

Claire McElroy, Health Improvement Senior for NHS Lanarkshire, added: “The community response to Covid-19 has been overwhelming.

“Communities are coming together to work for their communities and others, to support and encourage.

“This is testament to how vital our communities are to addressing issues like this and others.

“Communities Together has been a raft of partnership working across the board and has further strengthened partnerships across Bellshill locality.

“We are aware that this is no mean feat.

“Yet with the support of the community and volunteers we will be able to overcome the Covid-19 virus, following Government guidelines and providing a service for the locality.

“We will support individuals within the community.

“And we’ll ensure that people are signposted where appropriate to ensure that we can support and empower the community both during and after Covid19.”

To access the support services or to volunteer contact please call 01698 74 74 83 between 8am and 6pm daily.

Email queries about the service should be sent via mail [email protected].

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