G66 Covid Response Group pull out all the stops

The G66 Covid Response group deliver locally to people who have to self-isolate because of their health - carrying out everything from shopping to picking up a medical prescription.

Founder of the group, Lynne Bateman said the kindness and compassion from community volunteers has been “overwhelming.”

People in need can contact the group through East Dunbartonshire information line ‘OPAL’ on 0141 438 2347 where a volunteer will be available to assist.

East Dunbartonshire Councillor Susan Murray of Kirkintilloch, is involved with the Covid group.

She said: “Lynne Bateman, founder of G66 Covid Response, started a group for Waterside village in March.

“She knew the problems people were facing because she herself has to self-isolate due to a health condition.

“When the lockdown 
began, I asked Lynne to grow the group to cover Kirkintilloch and Lenzie.

“We contacted other volunteers who wanted to set up a support network locally for people who have no-one nearby to help.

“With support from 
Kenwil Print and Design, and working closely with Kirkintilloch Community Council, aka ‘Your Kirky’, G66 Covid Response began co-ordinating volunteers to deliver shopping and pick up prescriptions in their 
local streets at the beginning of April.

Lynne said: “We have been blown away by the number of people who have volunteered to help.

“The kindness and compassion in our community has been overwhelming.

“We have set up a system which keeps volunteers safe and protects our clients.

“This has meant recruiting a large number of volunteers so none are exposed to a high level of risk.”

All volunteers have a strict protocol to follow to keep themselves and other, safe.

Lynne said: “Volunteers have a protocol to follow which emphasises the need to wash hands regularly, not touch their face and keep to the social distancing rules.

“We share the referrals between the volunteers so no-one is asked to do more than one visit to a supermarket in a day.”

Since the group was set up just a few weeks ago, more than 80 shopping lists and even more prescriptions have been delivered.

Local people can also make a donation to pay for shopping for the most vulnerable in our communities.

These include those with no access to money, who 
may not be able to get to the food bank and who are not 
registered to receive a food box.

G66 Covid Response 
provides an emergency safety net.

Susan said: “The local need is growing daily as the 
lockdown continues so please give generously through Kirkintilloch Community Council’s PayPal account 
using [email protected].

“For more information you can contact OPAL on 0141 438 2347 or you can email 
[email protected].”