Aimed at supporting the most vulnerable of our citizens, the Humanitarian Assistance Angus Response Team has well and truly hit the ground running.
The HAART has made and received hundreds of vital calls in its first week of operation, making contact with residents who are “shielding”, isolated or vulnerable within their own homes during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Angus Provost Ronnie Proctor is delighted to see the way in which the HAART is putting itself at the centre of humanitarian operations in the county and reaching out to those in need.
“I have been hugely impressed, not just by the speed at which the team has established itself, but by the sheer determination of everyone involved to make sure that we help our fellow citizens at what is indisputably a time of great need.
“One of the ways that our strength as a community is defined is by the way we support one another, not least those of us who are most vulnerable, suffering through ill-health and in need through circumstances beyond our control.
“Many people have serious health conditions that mean they cannot or are unable to leave their homes. They may not have family nearby to support them, or friends and neighbours who might be able to drop messages and medicines off to them.
“This is where the HAART can and is stepping in to provide a lifeline to those people in Angus who need it the most.
“The team has been contacting people who are being shielded during this worrying time, thanks to information given to the council about those who must stay at home and details and requests coming in to the HAART.
“In some cases, no support is required but people have been comforted to know that help is there if required. In many other instances this superb multi-agency, multi-faceted team is springing into action to give help where it is needed most.
“Hundreds are being helped via the new website and phone number and I am delighted that so much work is being done – work that none of us could have contemplated as we headed into 2020 – to try to ensure that no one is left behind, no one is alone and in need.
“My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone concerned. Our Angus Council staff (many of who have been redeployed to the HAART); Angus Health and Social Care Partnership; ANGUSalive; Voluntary Action Angus and its army of volunteers; and the other indispensable agencies in the Community Planning Partnership, alongside NHS Tayside and food banks.”
People should visit www.taysidecares.co.uk first to register for this support but people who are unable to access the internet can use the phone number, 03452 777 778 which will link you directly to a dedicated team of skilled people who can help individuals confidentially with the supply of food, necessities and other vital assistance.
The HAART’s immediate focus are those who live in Angus who have been identified by the NHS for “shielding” as among the 200,000 across Scotland who have critical illness and been told to self-isolate for a recommended period of 12 weeks, as well as older people and people severely affected financially.
Angus Council
Angus Council works to create strong secure communities, an enterprising workforce, and sustainable development over the range of public services for which it has responsibility. We are a customer and citizen focused organisation and work to deliver accessible, effective and efficient services for the county\'s population.
