Scotland is currently under a temporary lockdown and it is illegal for anyone to leave home, except for essential purposes. Where services can be delivered digitally they should be.
As a general principle, if staff and volunteers were able to work from home in March 2020, the Scottish Government expects them work from home now. This guidance explains the legal position.
Face to face services
Essential services that cannot be delivered remotely, such as foodbanks, might decide to continue to operate as long as all guidance is followed.
An essential support group is one where participant’s health (including their mental health) and wellbeing would be significantly impacted by non-attendance.
Scottish Government Guidance for support groups
In this clip Jason Leitch discusses the factors that should be considered when deciding whether or not a service is essential. This was filmed before the temporary lockdown was announced but the messaging is still relevant.
It is important to note that the new variant of Coronavirus can transmit more easily than before. Any activities that are continuing face to face should be reviewed. It is crucial that staff, volunteers and users are following all of the measures you have put in place to reduce the risk of transmission.
Sector Guidance
Specific sector guidance also exists for over 80 different areas. Those likely to be of most use for voluntary organisations are listed here:
- culture and creative sector support
- creative studios and shared workspaces
- museums, galleries and heritage attractions
- events sector guidance
- tourism and hospitality sector guidance
- caravan sites and holiday parks
- retail sector guidance
- community learning and development sector
- childminder services guidance
- childcare sector support
- unregulated activities for children
- advice for unpaid carers
- guidance on domestic abuse
- guidance for social landlords
- information for homelessness services
- community food-growing spaces
- safer public spaces – urban centres and green spaces
- health and wellbeing support guidance
The resources below link to information produced by voluntary sector support organisations.
Resources
Community organisations
Comprehensive guidance covering the range of support activities taking place in communities, from collecting
prescriptions to preparing food.
by SCDC and Public Health Scotland
Youthwork recovery resources
Toolkits and guides to help the youth work sector navigate the Scottish Government’s route map out of
lockdown.
by Youthlink
Sport and physical activity
Guidance for a range of specific sports, and sports governing bodies.
by Sport Scotland
Unpaid Carers
Support available to unpaid carers, including information on wellbeing, staying safe and managing food and
medication.
by Carers Scotland
Farms and gardens
Information, toolkits and webinars to help social farms and gardens reopen safely.
by Social farms and gardens