Coronavirus: Fife charity launches prescription delivery service for vulnerable
Fife Voluntary Action (FVA) has created a new ‘helping hand’ service to help some of the region’s most vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic.
It has teamed up with NHS Fife, the Health and Social Care Partnership and Fife Council to launch a prescription delivery service for people who are most in need.
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Hide AdThe independent charity is working with over 80 pharmacies, with volunteer drivers uplifting and delivering prescriptions to those most at risk in the event of a COVID-19 infection.
The service is also offering help to people who can't get access to shopping and other essential services or support.
FVA was formed in 2012 and supports, develops and represents community groups, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering, and specialises in a wide range of skills and topics including governance, funding, legislation, policy, volunteering, managing people and planning.
Kenny Murphy, chief executive, said: “The helping hands service is a brand new project that was created in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Hide Ad“It came through a conversation we had with Fife Council on how we could provide a place for people who were in isolation to come to if they were unable to get their prescriptions or require any other assistance.
“We have been getting requests from all over the country from people who have relatives in Fife, who are vulnerable and can’t leave their homes.
“Anyone can call for help. If people can’t get out to pick up their medication or any other essentials, they can turn to us.”
The organisation also runs a phone befriending service for people who may be self-isolating and are alone, and will offer a check in service for relatives who may be concerned d about loved ones.
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Hide AdIts website also has a pandemic resource section with information and resources for organisations.
Mr Murphy added: “We support over 4000 volunteers who have been doing a huge amount of work. Everyone has stepped up with staff and volunteers asking to do extra hours - they are really bending over backwards to help people who are less fortunate.
“Our society is still pretty decent, and there is still a lot of good in the human race yet.”
Neale Hanvey, MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, is a champion of the organisation.
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Hide AdHe said: “I must pay credit to the incredible work being done by Fife Voluntary Action right now. It has set up a helping hand service to connect volunteers with people who need help with things like safe deliveries of prescriptions and food supplies.
“Third sector organisations are doing a power of work, now more than ever, to help us all through this difficult time and we owe a debt of gratitude to them and those of you who have selflessly volunteered to support the most vulnerable people in your community in their hour of need.
“There are a huge number of groups that have formed to help people in their community, I would urge them to contact Fife Voluntary Action as they have all the resources in place that could help to support these community groups.
“There is also a Crowdfunder in aid of the helping hand service, I urge anyone who has any spare cash to please donate. It is local money to help local people.”
For more information visit:
Or if you would like to donate to the Crowdfund: