COVID-19 is posing unique challenges for many in the local community and is affecting the daily lives of everyone in the country. Around Aberdeen and the wider Grampian area many new initiatives seeking to help those most vulnerable have started up, and are seeking volunteers to help them make a difference.
This list will be updated with new links and resources as and when they become available
ACVO - Aberdeen's 3rd sector interface have created a directory of local and national initiatives for volunteers.
ACVO COVID-19 directory: https://acvo.org.uk/about/covid-19/
Volunteer Aberdeen: https://www.volunteeraberdeen.org.uk/scotland-cares/
Scotland Cares - The Scottish Government has launched its drive for volunteers through its Ready Scotland platform. This resource shows opportunities to volunteer for different charities, as well as advice on how to protect yourself and others.
https://www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus/volunteering/
Grampian Coronavirus (COVID-19) Assistance Hub - This website, set up by Aberdeen City and Shire councils is full of useful information, as well as the option to sign up to volunteer or receive services
Aberdeen City Mutual Aid - A group set up to offer services to the vulnerable in Aberdeen City. Volunteers are able to sign up as a volunteer and individuals are able to ask for assistance.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Aberdeenmutualaid
NHS Scotland recruitment of former medical professionals - Healthcare professionals who have recently left the profession are being asked to help with the current outbreak. Full details can be found at the link below.
https://careers.nhs.scot/coronavirus-covid-19-recruitment
Volunteer Scotland - In signing up through Volunteer Scotland you will see volunteering opportunities with charities and organisations in your community.
https://search.volunteerscotland.net/coronavirus/
British Red Cross - Join The British Read Crosses network of volunteers to help with emergency response in your community.
https://reserves.redcross.org.uk/
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations - A dedicated Coronavirus Community Assistance Directory has been set up by the SCVO for organisations and individuals who need help to register their offers or requirements and volunteers to register to help.
#SupportLocal
Many local business have started funding projects for support through this time. Below are some links to these and other initiatives from local businesses.
The ARCHIE Foundation - The charity, which helps seriously ill children in the North East has seen a reduction in income, due to the inability to hold fundraising events, but are still working hard for children and parents through this difficult time, shifting services online and supplying grants for those in need.
Find out more and donate to The ARCHIE Foundation here
Belmont Filmhouse - as a registered charity and one of Scotlands only truly independent cinemas, Belmont Filmhouse relies on donations to keep offering a wide variety of programming to the people of Aberdeen. As they are currently closed and unable to make revenue from ticket sales, they are asking for support so they are able to reopen when it is safe to do so.
Donate to Belmont Filmhouse here
Aberdeen Performing Arts Donations - As a registered charity, Aberdeen Performing Arts depend heavily on ticket sales. As all of their venues are currently closed due to the COVID-19 virus they have asked if those who can could donate to help them through this difficult time.
Donate to Aberdeen Performing Arts here
Tivoli Theatre - As The Tivoli Theatre is currently closed, the team there are working hard to reschedule all shows that will be missed throughout the outbreak. Therefore there are asking for donations to ensure they will be able to reopen when it is safe to do so.
Donate to The Tivoli Theatre here
Foodstory Feed the People Fundraiser - The city centre cafe is looking to fundraise so they can deliver food packages and meal boxes to vulnerable people and care workers in their community. They are both looking for money to support this scheme and for people who may be interested in receiving a delivery.
Find more information and donate here