Thursday March 26th 2020
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
Postcards with vital contact details will be sent to more than 12,500 single-person households across Midlothian as part of the council’s #kindness campaign.
Midlothian Council is operating critical services only during the coronavirus lockdown but has seen its #kindnessmidlothian take off on Twitter as people share what they are doing on social media.
From schools sharing photographs of meals cooked by pupils who are using Google Classroom to learn remotely, to volunteers helping stock local foodbanks and delivering free school meals, Twitter has been flooded with messages.
Midlothian Council’s chief executive Grace Vickers praised the work of staff, students and community groups.
And she said that social care workers were making sure the most vulnerable residents were being cared for, and moves are under way to make sure people who live alone can access services.
She said: “Over the weeks which lie ahead, adult health and social care’s Care for People group will be supporting those who have the most serious underlying health conditions who have been asked to self-isolate for 12 weeks.
“This vital work is called Covid-19 shielding and is essential in order to protect our most vulnerable.
“We will also be delivering #kindnessmidlothian postcards to our 12,500 single-person households with contact details of the help and support which is available.
“My thanks to the many staff and volunteers who are helping us with this essential work.”
With many council workers working from home, the chief executive is encouraging staff to ensure they keep in touch with colleagues, suggesting they set up ‘virtual lunches’ using the digital platforms available.
A number of staff are also undergoing training to redeploy them to essential services, including covering the contact centre, delivering food and medicine, and other roles deemed vital.
The council continues to update its website with the latest news and services regarding coronavirus at www.midlothian.gov.uk
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