Community / Voluntary sector highlights work during pandemic
VOLUNTARY Action Shetland (VAS) said its work is #nevermoreneeded as it published an infographic detailing the work of the sector since lockdown.
Whilst the doors of the organisation’s Market House hub remain closed due to the pandemic staff have been working hard providing support, keeping in touch, working in partnership and providing funding to keep the wheels turning.
The organisation’s executive officer Catherine Hughson said voluntary groups based at Market House have been developing innovative new services such as the befriending Covid-19 telephone support response and the virtual Shetland Community Spirit Awards.
“Like many other local organisations and businesses VAS has had to adapt to provide its services and have embraced new ways of working to safely deliver their services,” she said.
National funding has been secured enabling 39 local organisations nominated by VAS to each receive £2,000 bringing nearly £80,000 into Shetland’s economy.
In addition, almost £25,000 of supporting communities funding has been provided to support Covid-19 related activity locally and it has been used to purchase and distribute essential items such as such as food, electricity tokens, food and PPE.
The infographic also highlights support to 81 local third sector organisations, 400 special gift and ‘keeping in touch’ bags delivered to carers and users of the befriending service, and much more.
Hughson added: “Shetland’s third sector is never more needed that it is right now, our ability to work flexibly and responsively using our local knowledge has given us the opportunity to truly support our community.”
The VAS infographic can be found here.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
