Galashiels Covid-19 helpline to be reinstated

Anyone who needs assistance with shopping or prescription collections can ring 0800 009 6544 from Thursday, October 1.

Town councillor Euan Jardine was instrumental in setting up the line in the midst of the original lockdown period, and he has now reinstated the service, the running of which has been taken on by the town’s community council.

Speaking before the line goes live on Thursday, Mr Jardine said: “When I closed the line, I left the voicemail on, and there has still been a few callers leaving messages.

“It has been a lifeline to many people unable to get out during the lockdown.

“We’re looking at making this more of a partnership effort this time round, working with TD1 Youth Club, the food bank, Volunteer Centre Borders and Scottish Borders Council, but the community council is going to be the linchpin of the operation.

“We’ve already had people phoning for prescription collections.

“I do acknowledge that not all the people who volunteered the last time round will be able to do so again, as they may be back working, so we do need more volunteers.

“I will be speaking to those who did so brilliantly over the past few months, and we’ll be introducing a rota system so that people who would like to help will be able to do so when they are able to.”

Anyone who wants to help can contact Mr Jardine on 07811 977720 or send a message to Galashiels Community Council’s Facebook page.