Coronavirus: Here’s how you are offer help and find it – Miles Briggs MSP

Scotland is mobilising to help people struggling phyiscally and mentally as the coronavirus spreads, writes Miles Briggs MSP.

People with mental health concerns will be finding this time particularly challenging

Like many people, on two occasions over the last week I have woken up thinking this was all a bad dream. Sadly that is not the case and it is hard to believe that the United Kingdom has been in lockdown for the last two weeks, and life has changed for every one of us. These measures have not been taken lightly and are crucial for slowing down the coronavirus outbreak and to give our NHS and social care service the time to optimise the number of beds and ventilators they have available for treating those who may become extremely unwell.

This is a very difficult time for many people, with those in the higher risk category being asked to long-term self-isolate to protect themselves from infection. Those who are in the higher risk category will be receiving letters asking them to self-isolate over the next 12 weeks and providing information on how to access support. It is clear that we will need to see a national effort to support everyone being asked to long-term self-isolate.

Miles Briggs is a Conservative MSP or Lothian region (Picture: Greg Macvean)

This week the “Scotland Cares” volunteers scheme was launched to help coordinate the volunteer response in Scotland to the coronavirus, already an amazing 41,000 people have signed up to offer their time and help. People can sign up on the Ready Scotland website to be a Community Reserve Volunteer, coordinated by the British Red Cross, to help provide the much-needed community capacity to support people who have been told to long-term self-isolate. There is also a link for people to volunteer through the Volunteer Scotland website and be updated on specific opportunities there are to help organisations in the community. You can sign up at www.readyscotland.org.

Exceptional charities

The support that we provide to our neighbours, friends and families doesn’t just have to be practical, we can provide emotional support as well. Mental wellbeing is always incredibly important, but this becomes especially important during this challenging time when people feel even more isolated.

Many people who have anxiety or mental health concerns will be finding this period particularly challenging and it is important that support continues to be made available. In Edinburgh and across the Lothians, there are a number of exceptional charities that provide support for mental health and loneliness all year round, such as Penumbra, SAMH and Vintage Vibes to name a few. You can access support at: 0131 221 9607 (Penumbra) and 0141 530 1000 (SAMH).

For those who are living with cancer this is also a very concerning time. I raised issues regarding ongoing cancer treatment with the First Minster this week and was provided with assurances on access to treatments and future screening being returned. For people living with cancer there is the wonderful charity Maggie’s, founded here in Edinburgh, and if you or someone you know who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as their friends and family, they can be contacted on 0300 123 1801.

Friendship and advice

It’s also important that older citizens who are feeling isolated know that services are out there and can be accessed to help. Age Scotland is a national charity which offers a free confidential phone service for older people, their carers and families in Scotland, to provide information, friendship and advice, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, on 0800 12 44 222.

None of us can underestimate the challenges we all face in the coming weeks and months as we fight the coronavirus outbreak. If we all look out for each other then I know there will be better times ahead.

Miles Briggs is a Conservative MSP for Lothian

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