Volunteers set up Dyke, Kintessack, Brodie & area corona virus support network

A VOLUNTEER GROUP is helping isolated and vulnerable people in more remote locations in the area.

Dyke, Kintessack, Brodie & area corona virus support network Facebook group was set up by residents Kirsty Reid and Lindsey Standing, with the help of Dyke Landward Community Council (DLCC), when they discovered that folk were struggling to get provisions, particularly shopping and prescriptions.

DLCC chairman Steve Arkley explained: "We mobilised very early to support families and the elderly who are self isolating. We had to be creative when it was initially difficult to shop at the supermarkets but Wester Hardmuir Fruit Farm and The Bakehouse Cafe were very helpful.

"We now have 199 volunteers that can be called upon as members of the network, with a central team and seven mini teams throughout the area. DLCC donated funds to ensure volunteers are not out of pocket and there is cash if provisions need to be purchased."

Mr Arkley also got involved because he was disappointed with the speed of Moray Council's response to the situation.

He said: "On February 12 I asked what Moray Council were doing to prepare for the coronavirus and nobody could give me answer. On March 11 I enquired again, then on March 26 after writing I received a response from the chief executive's office.

"Despite pressing further, I am still awaiting any form of brief or workstream flowcharts detailing how the volunteer groups/community councils dovetail into Grampian Coronavirus Hub's activities."

He added: "If hadn’t been for volunteer groups such as ours, there would be some families in real difficulties, including potentially starving, whilst Moray Council put a plan into action."

Dyke, Kintessack, Brodie & area corona virus support network offer services for people living in the villages of Dyke, Kintessack, Brodie, Conicavel, Logie, Dunphail, Darnaway and surrounding areas including: checking in on neighbours by phone; cooking; dropping off food; dog walking for those who are unable to get out and walk their dogs; and emotional support.

DLCC's involvement will makes it easier for the volunteer group to apply for grants if they are required in future.

Mr Arkley said: "The feedback we are receiving is that we are providing a worthwhile service.

"However, there is also a lot of neighbourly assistance that hasn't required our involvement. We're a rural community and that’s what neighbours do!"

Mr Arkley has also set up internet radio station, Brodie Radio (https://s2.citrus3.com:2000/public/BrodieRadio), broadcasting 24/7, for folk who prefer music to "the never ending and depressing news on mainstream radio".

"With 24-hour radio news and TV, people may want a break from it all," said Mr Arkley. "I am using my own library of 17,000 tracks from various genres. I intend to do some ad-hoc messages highlighting what local businesses are doing."