27 OCT 2020
COVID commendation for Oaks volunteers
Moray has always been fortunate in having among its residents those who, voluntarily, work so hard year in and year out to improve the quality of life of others.
Never has this been so apparent than during the current COVID-19 pandemic which has had severe implications for many and presented all of us with challenges the likes of which we could never have imagined at the start of 2020.
The inherent goodness and generosity of spirit of the people of Moray leaves us humbled and forever grateful.
The Lord-Lieutenants of Banffshire and Moray have created the new COVID Commendations to recognise the organisations, voluntary groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond for the sake of others during the pandemic.
Nearly 100 community members and groups across the area have been publicly recognised for their exceptional efforts. Health & Social Care Moray are very proud that among them are the volunteers from The Oaks specialist palliative care unit in Elgin.
Before services at The Oaks were temporarily suspended at the end of March, an amazing army of 72 enthusiastic volunteers were supporting the work of the unit. On average 40 were giving their time and energy each week to carry out roles including receptionists, drivers, day unit workers, complementary therapists, beauticians, hairdressers and gardeners.
At the start of lockdown many of the volunteers were stood down as they came into the “at risk” category and they have been really missing their voluntary work, said Angela Stewart, Volunteer Co-ordinator at The Oaks.
Others were able to carry on supporting people in the community and have made a wonderful contribution by doing people’s shopping, delivering meals, checking on those who were shielding and carrying out befriending phone chats with those who were lonely and isolated.
Angela praised all the volunteers for their efforts before and during lockdown.
“We are very grateful for all the support the volunteers have given to the unit week in, week out. Some have done this since The Oaks was opened 17 years ago,” she added. “We couldn't run the unit without our dedicated team of volunteers and I am so grateful to them all for all they do. They certainly are the most amazing team of wonderful, caring people.”
Planning is currently underway for the re-mobilisation of some of the services which were provided at The Oaks where the Letter of Commendation will be displayed with pride.
Never has this been so apparent than during the current COVID-19 pandemic which has had severe implications for many and presented all of us with challenges the likes of which we could never have imagined at the start of 2020.
The inherent goodness and generosity of spirit of the people of Moray leaves us humbled and forever grateful.
The Lord-Lieutenants of Banffshire and Moray have created the new COVID Commendations to recognise the organisations, voluntary groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond for the sake of others during the pandemic.
Nearly 100 community members and groups across the area have been publicly recognised for their exceptional efforts. Health & Social Care Moray are very proud that among them are the volunteers from The Oaks specialist palliative care unit in Elgin.
Before services at The Oaks were temporarily suspended at the end of March, an amazing army of 72 enthusiastic volunteers were supporting the work of the unit. On average 40 were giving their time and energy each week to carry out roles including receptionists, drivers, day unit workers, complementary therapists, beauticians, hairdressers and gardeners.
At the start of lockdown many of the volunteers were stood down as they came into the “at risk” category and they have been really missing their voluntary work, said Angela Stewart, Volunteer Co-ordinator at The Oaks.
Others were able to carry on supporting people in the community and have made a wonderful contribution by doing people’s shopping, delivering meals, checking on those who were shielding and carrying out befriending phone chats with those who were lonely and isolated.
Angela praised all the volunteers for their efforts before and during lockdown.
“We are very grateful for all the support the volunteers have given to the unit week in, week out. Some have done this since The Oaks was opened 17 years ago,” she added. “We couldn't run the unit without our dedicated team of volunteers and I am so grateful to them all for all they do. They certainly are the most amazing team of wonderful, caring people.”
Planning is currently underway for the re-mobilisation of some of the services which were provided at The Oaks where the Letter of Commendation will be displayed with pride.
