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Presentation by Joan Stewart, Shopper Aide

The Group gave consideration to a written update and presentation from Joan Stewart, Shopper Aide, providing information around the work of the organisation. Joan provided details of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that Shopper Aide’s client list had doubled and their methods of delivering support had changed hugely in line with government guidance, resulting in staff and volunteers providing support on the front line from the beginning of the pandemic. She also provided information around the requirement to set up a new financial system for older people without access to their money; the requirement to open offices earlier and allocate staff and volunteers set times to attend; and the impact on socialisation for staff, volunteers and clients.

Joan advised that a Phone Buddies system had been set up to assist in combating loneliness for older people, and to assist in identifying any issues which Shopper Aide or other agencies could assist with. It was noted that Phone Buddies had resulted in a lot of good friendships and it had also allowed staff and volunteers who were unable to assist in person to collect people’s shopping orders over the phone.

Information was provided around the impact of the pandemic on the safety of staff, volunteers and vulnerable clients. It was noted that during the first lockdown period there had been a number of existing staff and volunteers who were unable to assist due to their own personal circumstances, however this had been combated by a number of new volunteers whose jobs had been impacted by the lockdown restrictions. Joan noted that the second lockdown was more difficult as requests for support had increased but there was not the same availability of additional volunteers.

Joan also provided information around regular virtual afternoon teas which had been very successful, and the delivery of quizzes, gifts and other items to clients. It was noted that 90% of the client list of 240 people did not have access to the internet and so Shopper Aide had pulled together a newsletter outlining relevant information for them which was included with these deliveries. Joan also provided details of how ‘bubbles’ had been used when taking clients out and advised that Gary’s gang, a men only club, had been very successful for the men involved and their families.

Joan noted that the organisation provides lots of services for clients and required as much assistance with funding as possible to continue this, encouraging anyone who knew of any suitable funding streams to contact Shopper Aide. Joan also advised that Shopper Aide were moving premises within the next 6 weeks which would allow all activities and business to take place under one roof. It was noted that Shopper Aide volunteers came from all walks of life and there were lots of volunteering opportunities. Joan provided details of how the organisation assist with the employment of people in the local area and how they ensure that they spend as much money locally as possible.

Joan advised that Shopper Aide had been very lucky to be nominated for the Queen’s volunteering award, noting that the presentation of the award was set to take place next month.

Decision

The Mid Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æ, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Joan Stewart, Shopper Aide, submitted)