As the lockdown continues, it is anticipated that the restrictions will begin to bite, and government support may not yet be forth coming. Vulnerable or self-isolating people, those in a furlough situation, self-employed, out of work or on zero hours contracts may need financial support to tide them over.
The SCD and SCC have established the Covid 19 Resilience Fund (CRF) aimed at helping anyone who is suffering hardship or problems because of government restrictions and the “fall-out” of the pandemic. The CRF can provide grants or interest free loans to individuals to cover the cost of rent/mortgage payments (for your main home), phone/broadband bills, utilities, transport to essential appointments, emergency repairs/replacement in your home. All applications will be treated in confidence – we all find ourselves in very unusual unforeseen circumstances. We aim to make payments within 24 hours of receipt and approval of an application, though in some situations we may require further information. Payment will be made directly to your bank account. Application form available from SCD.
In addition, we are about to establish a “Community Larder” where food will be available 24 / 7 to take without charge (or donate) by anyone within the community. Paula is currently looking for a suitable shed or container that can be sited within the shop car park. Paula is also in negotiation with suppliers to see if the shop can provide advantageous “meal deal” and “dine-in” offers.
As mentioned last week, SCD and SCC have been applying for grants to help fund community initiatives that can assist those affected during the period. To date the SCD have been successful in obtaining an initial £500 from the Highland Council and we would like to thank our Councillors for their support. A further application was made by SCD to HIE for monies available from the government for third sector bodies (charities). We understand that the decision on the allocation was delayed due to Easter but we hope to receive a decision on our bid during the coming week. In the meanwhile we would like to hear from anyone who has any ideas that can help the community during the coming weeks.
We would also like to thank (amongst others) Good Highland Food and Cheese &Tomatin for their generous donation of food or ingredients to the community; Tomatin Glamping Pods who have offered the use of a pod to locals who needs to self -isolate away from their immediate family; Tracy Campbell for organising local takeaway deliveries and of course the whole community for pulling together at this time.
Please note again the local helpline telephone number is 07594 305775
For help with council tax, rent and key worker childcare hubs and information for parents on Highland digital school hub. The Highland Council Helpline is 0300 303 1362 or web site here
