Forres Town Hall closed by FACT to prevent spread of coronavirus

FORRES Town Hall has been closed to the public to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Custodians Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) took the precaution following advice from the Scottish and UK Governments but staff and volunteers will continue to work from home and be available through social media, telephone and email.

Lead development officer, Debbie Herron, confirmed FACT is planning a co-ordinated approach to supporting the most isolated and vulnerable.

She said: "Social isolation can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes per day so we want to support people to remain in contact with their community despite being stuck at home.

"The approach means we can be responsive to the needs of our users and the community of the Forres area as a whole, as we work in partnership with other groups, businesses and agencies.

"Even though the town hall is closed, we are putting the final pieces in place to offer telephone befriending, online support and information to help people access the support they need. It is particularly aimed at those members of the community that are the most vulnerable but we will do what we can to help anyone in need."

Ongoing social FACT projects Forres Online (assistance and support in the use of digital devices) and Cameron Befrienders (volunteers befriending and supporting people over 50) remain accessible.

Debbie explained: "Some of the activities at the town hall may be the only contact that a person has on a weekly basis. Many come out for that sole purpose.

"There are people living in their community who have no family and nobody to keep in touch with. We want to reduce that through telephone befriending and continue to meet the needs of our community during this challenging time."

FACT is hosting three sessions at the town hall on Friday, March 20 to brief potential members of their volunteer response team. A maximum of 20 places for each session has been set to ensure adherence to social distancing guidelines. Advice from Befriending Network Scotland and Volunteer Scotland will also ensure the safety of the volunteers and those accessing the service.

See https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/facts-volunteer-response-team-tickets-100147840888 for more information.

FACT staff can be contacted by email at info@forresarea.org or by leaving a message on 01309 674388. Alternatively drop a note through the town hall door or write to Forres Town Hall, High Street, Forres IV36 1PB. FACT will aim to reply within 24 hours.

Requests for food parcels can be made direct to Moray Food Plus on 01343 208293 or email request@morayfoodplus.org.uk and food donations can be made to the Co-op, 52-56 High Street, Forres.