On last week’s update we indicated that, in addition to the Highland Council community grant, application had been made for a “third Sector” government grant through HIE. We are pleased to report that our application has been successful. These monies have been awarded to ensure community resilience during the period of the pandemic. In doing so our aim to assist all residents within the community who are affected. Initially we aim to tackle this with the following four actions:-
1 – We have placed a fridge outside the community shop. It is stocked with some food as a Community Larder. Essentially a food share facility for any member of the community who is finding it difficult to make ends meet to help themselves. It is also available for donation.
2 – We recognise that the majority of the community are facing additional expenditure on food as a consequence of the children being off school or being furloughed, etc. We also recognise that these costs can be cut by frequent visits to Inverness supermarkets. However this adds to our overall risk. We have therefore decided to use some of the community funds to subsidise the fresh food sales from the community shop. As of Friday 24th April all bread, fruit, vegetables and meat with be subject to a 20% discount on normal shop prices until further notice. This should cut down on the journeys as well as being kinder on your purse.
3 – As promised, we have opened a Covid Resilience Fund to help people in the community who find themselves compromised as a consequence of the pandemic. Applications are available on-line here. Alternatively, forms are available in the shop or by phoning the community phoneline and asking for a form to be sent / delivered. There is no stigma associated with asking for help in whatever form required and all applications will be treated in confidence within 48 hours. We would therefore encourage anyone that needs assistance of any kind to complete a form and speak to us.
4 – Funds have been set aside to provide transport to the vulnerable or compromised to enable them to attend medical appointments, etc. Similarly, monies are available for providing other services normally undertaken by friends and family but not currently available due to travel restrictions – for example grass cutting, etc.
We are continually looking for other ways to provide help and encourage community spirit so if you have any ideas, please let us know on 07594 305775.
