Coronavirus: support for people in St Andrews and north east Fife

With drastic measures now affecting the lives of countless residents, a number of Fifers have stepped up to help those who are either self-isolating, or are unable to venture out.
By Jamie Callaghan
Published 20th Mar 2020, 09:43 BST
Market Street. Pic: Peter Adamson.Market Street. Pic: Peter Adamson.
Market Street. Pic: Peter Adamson.

Across the Kingdom, bold individuals, clubs, groups, and businesses have put themselves forward to help ensure that the elderly, vulnerable, and housebound can still get crucial supplies as we face weeks of isolation.

More than 1500 people signed up to Community Aid St Andrews within two days of the group launching. Katy Keenan, a University of St Andrews lecturer, started the Facebook group with the aim of providing a platform for people to show their support.

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The group has been flooded with messages from students, businesses and local residents offering their help to those in isolation, or struggling to get key supplies.

“The response has been amazing and overwhelming,” Katy said. “It quickly became clear that we needed to find a structured, organised way for us to harness the incredible numbers of people who were offering to help.”

Community Aid St Andrews (CASA) was established to help co-ordinate the response. Leaflets have been distributed and a list of willing volunteers put together.

The primary focus for the group is to help turn the tidal wave of support and enthusiasm into practical, meaningful support that reduces the risk of further transmission, keeps everyone safe, and makes sure no one falls through the cracks in the trying times ahead.

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Chris Wallard added: “The outpouring of community spirit has been phenomenal, but our priority now is to channel that into positive and coordinated action.”

If you would like to find out more search for the Community Action St Andrews group on Facebook or email [email protected].

A similar Facebook page has been set up for Cupar. Cupar COVID-19 Mutual Aid is acting a central point for people to offer their help, swap ideas about how more can be done and share posts from other Facebook pages about help in the area.

Local groups and businesses have also offered help.

Freuchie Bowling Club has appealed for any elderly residents in the area who do not want to go out for shopping to contact the club.

Meanwhile, Fisher & Donaldson announced it is setting up an online shop for home deliveries in Cupar and St Andrews, to help those in isolation.

Related topics:St AndrewsCoronavirusFifeFacebook