RECRUITMENT for volunteers to help Scottish public services and charities during the coronavirus crisis has been put on hold after almost 80,000 people signed up, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell has revealed.
The Scotland Cares campaign was launched at the end of March, seeking people willing to help the NHS and councils during the pandemic.
Volunteers have been delivering food and medicine to people isolated at home or providing companionship through phone calls.
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.
“The response from the public has been so tremendous that we are now pausing our recruitment.”
She added: “Not all volunteers who have signed up will be needed immediately, but I’d like to stress that volunteers will be critical in our efforts to support and rebuild our communities and many of those who have not yet been called on to help will play a vital role over the weeks and months to come.”
The Scottish Government released figures yesterday showing 35,077 had signed up via Volunteer Scotland to help charities and community groups.
The British Red Cross appeal to help public services had 18,640 sign-ups in Scotland, while 23,029 health and social care workers volunteered their services.
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