Angus Council Leader David Fairweather saw council workers and volunteers at the Humanitarian Assistance Angus Response Team and was delighted to witness the excellent service they are providing during the coronavirus pandemic.
A report (No. 133/20) on the HAART goes before the Special Arrangements Committee today (Tues 28 April), which highlights the work of the HAART in combatting the many varied local challenges set by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The committee will be asked to note the work undertaken to establish the HAART and to agree that its essential work can continue to be delivered for up to six months in the first instance, making best use of the £602,000 provided to Angus via the Scottish Government Food Fund.
Cllr Fairweather said “It is simply terrific to see the level of work that has gone into making sure there is a meaningful support framework embracing the people of Angus. It is something that we should all be proud of. As Leader of this Council, I cannot recall a time when I have felt more pride in the capacity of our people to do good for one another, for the most vulnerable among us in particular.”
The HAART’s early priorities are to ensure that those people who need to self- isolate have access to deliveries of food and medicines and where necessary can access healthcare services without putting themselves at risk. It aims to support all of those directly affected by the outbreak – individuals, families, friends and relatives of those affected, the wider community and staff.
It seeks to have support available for people who have been formally identified as in need of “shielding” and aims to go further still by extending that assistance more widely, to include others who are vulnerable as a result of the pandemic and its consequences.
The HAART sees Angus Council and the Angus Health & Social Care Partnership working closely with ANGUSalive, Voluntary Action Angus and other third sector organisations to try to ensure that no one is left isolated or unsupported. It is a civilian army the like of which has not been seen in recent times and which has been mobilised for good in very short order.
At more than 1100-strong, the voluntary taskforce has the skills and capacity to serve people in Angus with practical, physical and emotional support. The Council Leader admits he was overwhelmed by their efforts.
Cllr Fairweather said: “I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I joined the team at the aid centre, but it was a real eye-opener in terms of the impressive power of work that is being carried out in partnership.
“I couldn’t help but be struck by the commitment, drive and enthusiasm of everyone involved and their determination to help the more vulnerable people in our community.
“All our heroes at Angus Council, ANGUSalive, Voluntary Action Angus and many, many other volunteers are providing a great example of how working together and linking our resources and responses can help our people – whether through food, pharmacy, financial support, or simply by being there as a friend.
“Their desire and commitment to help is immeasurable and I thank them for their fantastic efforts.”
Anyone in need of help, support or assistance, whether it be for mental health and wellbeing, practical things like getting messages and medicines, financial worries or if they are simply feeling lonely, can get in touch via www.taysidecares.co.uk or by calling in confidence to 03452 777 778.
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.
