BBC Radio Scotland’s project aimed at making a difference to some of the country’s most vulnerable people is already paying dividends.
Set up to aid those who might require additional support covers a wide range of people, including those with autism and sight loss, individuals low on food stocks and single people looking for companionship.
BBC Radio Scotland‘s Make a Difference initiative seeks to ensure people requiring a helping hand during the current COVID-19 lockdown know where to find the resources and support they need within their communities.
Launched during The Afternoon Show with Janice Forsyth, Grant Stott and Nicola Meighan, the project has already offered vital information for blind and autistic people on how to cope on their own as well as directing concerned Edinburgh listeners to a local source of emergency food supplies.
And this week issues being explored include how to cope with bereavement and anxiety while a call for poems penned in support of care workers will be answered live on air.
Every day on The Afternoon Show at 2.30pm, the new advice slot offers:
• Organisations, charities and community groups the chance to explain what services and support they can provide individuals and families the opportunity to find out where and how to access the support they need, demonstrating that connecting essential services with those needing them is making a real difference
• Spotlights on which resources and volunteer work is required and how to do support safely
• Stories from inspirational people who are actively contributing to affect positive change, often in new innovative ways
Head of Commissioning for BBC Radio Scotland, Gareth Hydes, explains why the station aim to make a difference: “Radio Scotland is all about its listeners so in these challenging times it makes complete sense that we act as a conduit between those who can offer a hand of friendship and advice and those who need the support they are able to provide. The stories which emerge from this are ones we know our listeners love to hear.”
If any organisation or community group wants to highlight the services they can offer or is looking for resources or volunteers then they can get in touch with the Make a Difference team.