Here are 6 acts of kindness being organised in Edinburgh to help during the coronavirus outbreak

With the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus continuing to spread across the world, and news of panic buying and death tolls growing, it can be easy to fall into a pit of despair.
These are some of the kind activities happening around Edinburgh in response to the virus outbreak (Photo: Alistair Linford)These are some of the kind activities happening around Edinburgh in response to the virus outbreak (Photo: Alistair Linford)
These are some of the kind activities happening around Edinburgh in response to the virus outbreak (Photo: Alistair Linford)

It’s not all doom and gloom however, with Edinburgh residents showing that in times of need, we can come together and help one another.

Here are five activities and acts of kindness happening across the city to help out during the outbreak.

Free COVID-19 survival packs

These are the symptoms you need to know (Photo: WHO)These are the symptoms you need to know (Photo: WHO)
These are the symptoms you need to know (Photo: WHO)
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A Day-Today convenience store in Drylaw Shopping Centre, run by Zahid Iqbal, has been making headlines with free outbreak survival packs.

The packs are offered to anyone over the age of 65, and those with mobility issues, who are facing a lengthy period of self isolation.

The packs include toilet roll, anti-bacterial handwash, a packet of pocket tissues and a packet of paracetamol.

Anyone who is unable to visit the shop to pick up a survival pack can have it delivered to their homes for free by simply calling the store.

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Free childcare for NHS staff

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Jennifer Pewsey, a medical student in Edinburgh, tweeted: “With COVDI-19 causing disruption to studies and work schedules, NHS staff might find themselves suddenly without childcare.

“Edinburgh med students would like to volunteer as emergency baby (and pet) sitters.”

The group explains: “As responsible(ish) people with BLS skills, we’d like to offer ourselves as a voluntary emergency babysitting service; just post your requirements in this group and we will do our best to help out.

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“If your children aren’t of the human variety, there are many of us who would love to walk dogs or pop in and feed your pets too.”

The group isn’t an official childcare provider, simply a way to allow people to connect.

Free deliveries from Pet Helpers

Posting on Facebook on 12 March, Pet Helpers said that they would provide free prescription and medication delivery service for their clients, regardless of any bookings for dog walks.

The post also said: “We will provide milk and bread on each pickup/drop off free of charge. This is to help these clients going out as they are by far most at risk.”

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The post ended by saying that for any other help needed, they’re just a phone call away.

The owner of the Newtongrange-based dog walking service, Gary Whittle, said that his team had been delivering essentials to those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease since ‘beast from the east’ hit the UK two years ago.

Combat cabin fever with a cycle tour

With more and more people now working from home, it can be easy for the cabin fever to set in and to start feeling lonely and unmotivated.

A Wee Pedal is here to offer free cycle tours between March and April 2020 in a bid to beat the cabin fever. Meeting at Bridgend Farmhouse, you’ll head through the Innocent Tunnel and into Holyrood Park.

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It’s described as an “easygoing, three-hour tour, including stops at places of interest” - you’ll also get to learn a bit of history along the way.

You can choose a date to join the cycling tour on the Eventbrite site here.

Free hand washing

With the public being urged to take hand washing seriously, bulk buying of hand soap and hand sanitiser has seen shops with empty shelves.

Some shops around Edinburgh, however, are inviting members of the public to wash their hands for free.

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Included in those shops are Lush on Princess Street, as well as other local businesses around the city centre.

Coronavirus Volunteering Edinburgh

In response to the outbreak in Edinburgh, a Coronavirus Volunteering Edinburgh Facebook group has been created.

Included in the group are various offers of help from people looking to make life easier for those affected by the outbreak.

Gilmerton Grocers posted on the group, saying: “If any of our elderly customers are self isolating for any reason and you need supplies, please do not hesitate to contact us at the shop and we will do what we can to get supplies to you.”

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David Waine, a personal trainer and runner of Edinburgh Bootcamp in Fairmilehead, posted saying that those interested in free indoor workouts could get access to videos by his facebook group.

He said: “I will be making fun workout challenges for you to make fun for your kids and to get you all moving and staying happy for the next few weeks.”

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