COLIN BEATTIE THANKS HUNDREDS OF MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN VOLUNTEERS DURING PANDEMIC

SNP MSP Colin Beattie has praised the 2143 volunteers in Midlothian and East Lothian who have signed up to volunteering schemes during the pandemic.
877 have volunteered with the British Red Cross in Midlothian and East Lothian while 1266 have signed up to Volunteer Scotland, according to new figures provided by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).
While not all volunteers have been called upon, many have started to deliver food parcels, ensure essential supplies and medicines reach vulnerable people and phone those who need assistance or companionship.
Scotland Cares links British Red Cross and Volunteer Scotland schemes to local authority and third sector activity in communities, creating a pool of volunteers for local organisations to draw upon and deploy as required.
Volunteers are matched with local needs in a range of organisational settings, when those needs arise. It is up to the requesting organisation to decide how and when volunteers are deployed.
SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
“The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and many in our communities have depended on the help offered by others.
“The hundreds of people in Midlothian and East Lothian who have volunteered to help are a real credit to their community and I want to thank each and every person who has signed up.
“Not all volunteers have been needed so far, but volunteers will play a critical role in supporting and rebuilding our communities – and many will be asked to help in the weeks and months to come.”