Resilient Community groups across East Lothian have been provided with stocks of branded high-visibility vests to raise awareness amongst the public of the important tasks they are carrying out.
We’re grateful to all of these committed volunteers for the kindness and support they are showing for their communities
It also gives reassurance to those receiving a service that the person helping them is from an official resilience group supported by East Lothian Council.
Resilient Community groups were originally established to respond to weather-related emergencies, such as flooding or heavy snow falls. Groups are made up of volunteers from many walks of life who are committed to helping their local community. The council works closely with them to support their volunteer efforts in towns and villages with resources, information and guidance. During the last two years, many have taken part in training focusing on how to respond to community incidents.
During the last two weeks the number of volunteers joining teams has grown significantly with some groups now having around 200 members. Volunteers are currently providing support and undertaking a wide range of practical tasks including shopping, creating and delivering newsletters, and dog walking. Some of the resilience groups have supplemented their council-supplied vests with their own stocks.
Depute Council Leader Norman Hampshire said: “The branded vests help to make sure that it’s easy to spot an official resilience group member. It also helps to highlight the many wonderful acts that these volunteers are doing in and for their area. We’re grateful to all of these committed volunteers for the kindness and support they are showing for their communities.”
A Resilient Community volunteer delivering leaflets in Gifford