In response to the current Coronavirus epidemic we have set up a co-ordination group to work together to provide a joined up approach, working with community groups, individual volunteers, service providers and businesses, to meet the requirements of those in need. We recognise that many people have already set in place informal networks to look after friends, neighbours and relatives and we very much want to encourage people to continue to do that. What we want to do is make sure nobody is forgotten about.

The team currently consists of :

• Councillor Caroline Shiers
• Phil Seymour B & R Community Council & B&R Resilience Team
• Lorna McCulloch B & R Development Trust
• Steve Johnson B & R Business Association/Proactive Communities
• Ashleigh Mustard SCYD & PKC Co-ordinator
• Frank McManus Ex Police Inspector

As the situation develops we will be seeking people with particular experience in areas such as communication, supply and distribution to bolster the group.

Our focus over the next few days is to set up a comprehensive support network with co-ordinators working with dedicated groups of volunteers to cover the whole of Blairgowrie & Rattray. To this end we are seeking to get details of volunteers and community groups who are either already supporting those in need or who are willing to do so. Detailed below is the information we are seeking to obtain asap. Once we have collated all the information we plan to publish contact details both online and through a leaflet drop to all households. Our aim is to get the information out by the middle of the week.

This is a massive challenge and needs an equally massive response. By working together, pooling resources and showing compassion we will get through this. We are working towards having a central point where people can:

• get the information they need,
• have a contact person who can either deal with their issue or put them on to someone who can
• help them access vital supplies
• know what support groups and individual volunteers are out there to help them,
• get all the latest local, regional, national information or links to it

This is a massive logistical exercise with many strands but our focus is to get the basics for support and contact in place and move on to address the challenges that will arise as the situation continues.

Whilst we will continue to provide details of developments on this website and our Facebook page, to ensure maximum coverage, working together as a Coordination Group we are using the new Discover Blairgowrie website as the central source of information, coordination and communication.

Phil Seymour

Chair Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council & B&R Resilience team

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Blairgowrie & Rattray Coronavirus Coordination Group

Request for Volunteers

We are aware that many groups and individuals are already either offering help or providing help to those who may be in need – in preparation for the situation developing and the need to ensure that nobody gets forgotten about

A coordination group has been set up to both capture information at present but also to develop a structured and coordinated process to support the community.

If you or your group have/has already gathered information please can you provide the following information to the contacts for each area as below:

Group name (if applicable)

• Confirm you have permission/give permission for us to hole your details
• Volunteer name
• Volunteer phone/mobile
• Volunteer email
• Volunteer location they can cover (Post Code)
• Skills they have that may help
• Would you be willing to act as a coordinator for your area?
• Any issues identified ref resources etc
• Please contact the relevant person for your area by 1pm Monday 23 March to allow us to collate information:
• Blairgowrie & Rattray – Ashleigh Mustard

amustard@scyd.org.uk – 07761 060 281 – @wellmeadowhouse (Facebook)

Coupar Angus, Burrelton, Saucher, Collage, Meiklour and Balbeggie – Cat Mackay

bandrtimebank@gmail.com – 07761 233 518

Guildtown, Wolfhill, Kinclaven, Carsie, Spittalfield, Clunie, Butterstone, Bridge of Cally,

Ballintuim, Kirkmichael, Enochdu, Blacklunans – Kim MacBain

kmacbain@pkc.gov.uk – 01250 871 934 – 07909 713 875

Alyth, New Alyth, Meigle, Tullymurdoch, Ardler, Kettins – John Corrigan

jcorrigan@pkc.gov.uk

Please share and pass on via email, newsletter etc

Many thanks and stay safe