Getting the messages in Boat of Garten
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Villagers in Boat of Garten have been rallying to offer help to older and vulnerable neighbours during the Covid-19 crisis.
A group of people from across the community and involving the Boat of Garten Community Company, the community hall and the community council, has got together to monitor the situation.
They are now putting in place measures to help people to stay involved and included during these difficult times.
Local resident Emma Paterson (38) said the group announced a tentative meeting on Facebook, and 27 people turned up on Sunday to give support and offer help.
She said: "It was an excellent turn out for the meeting. The outcome was we put together a wee brochure which we distributed in the village with information including phone numbers to call for any assistance.
"We have offered to help with things like child minding, dog walking and collecting groceries or prescriptions.
"We haven't had any approaches so far, but a lot of Scottish people don't like to ask for help, but that could change if things get worse.
"We have also set up a WhatsApp called Boat of Garten Community Group and there are over 70 people on it since the weekend which is amazing considering the size of Boat of Garten."
The community group offers the following help:
If you are a Facebook user, please consider liking the BoG Community Page, this will be a useful platform for ensuring that relevant information is shared, plus it could be great morale booster for those self-isolating.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/boatofgartencommunitygroup/
A WhatsApp group has been created. Please get in touch with Emma or John Paterson if you would like to be included - this is going to be a great tool to help us identify which members of the community may need some assistance and for people to offer their services in helping.
For instance, could you offer to walk someone's dog, or perhaps help with their shopping? Every small act of kindness will help our community.
Mrs Paterson said: "Obviously things are changing very quickly at the moment and we will continue to adapt and respond as new guidelines of advice are issued.
"If anyone has any further suggestions of ways in which the community can help, please let us know.
"The community hall is open and will remain so until we reach the point where we are advised to close.
"We have inevitably had many cancellations already and are trying to put in place measures that support the staff to keep the premises safe and the operations ticking over.
At the Village Shop and Post Office, David and Beth are similarly doing all they can to support the community and help those who cannot or must not come to the shop.
The village church is open daily and wants people to know that anyone is welcome to use it as a place of reflection or quiet as they wish.
