AN ARMY of volunteers has been raised in the Wee County with co-ordinators praising the local response to Covid-19.

As reported previously, Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSi) and its partners across the county have been co-ordinating the local volunteer response following the coronavirus outbreak.

More than 130 new people have registered with CTSi to help since, and many had self-directed themselves to the numerous community groups that have shown leadership in this time of crisis.

It is estimated that there are at least 400 active volunteers in the ranks of the local response corps, supporting vulnerable and self-isolating people in the Wee County at this time.

Alongside CTSi, community councils, development trusts, church groups and many other similar organisations are working together to respond to the outbreak in the area.

Louise Orr, team leader for volunteering and routes to work at CTSi, had nothing but praise so far.

She told the Advertiser: “I can honestly say that without the efforts of our community groups, their volunteers, and new community response volunteers, many vital services - food bank, family support - would have ground to a halt.

"Our community groups have shown fantastic leadership, resilience and innovative working during this trying time, to ensure they still reach those most vulnerable in our community.

"Now more than ever, community spirit and people’s willingness to help others is highlighted."

Head to bit.ly/3au588Q for a volunteer registration form, specifically for Covid-19 response roles.

There is also plenty of helpful information and guidance for the third sector and the community in general, visit ctsi.org.uk for more with daily updates between Mondays and Fridays.

The website also contains details on what services are available for people in need along with contacts.

Community groups and organisations that are still working to deliver services and would either like to promote that so people in need can get in touch, or if indeed they need more volunteers, are being asked to contact admin@ctsi.org.uk or 07534 405 043 to let co-ordinators at CTSi know.

Some groups and trusts around the county have set up specific groups in the wake of the crisis and ensuing lockdown, they include the Alva Coronavirus Joint Response Group, Caring and Connected Clackmannan, Coronavirus Dollar Support Service and Tullibody Coronavirus Mutual Aid.