Hi All,

I hope you are staying safe.

I am writing to introduce you to Communities Together.

Communities Together is an initiative created as a response to the needs of the , and Areas (we will do surrounding areas) in against the backdrop of Coronavirus. We are an umbrella group that pulls together the community response to COVID—19 to make sure we have all areas covered and supported where we can. We hope that we can identify people who may need support now, and may be vulnerable for many reasons, and get help to them.

Communities Together will launch on Monday 27th April 2020 at 8AM and will operate out of the Bellshill YMCA (294 Main Street, Bellshill, ML4 1AB). Operating via a helpline 01698 74 74 83 or via email [email protected] -our friendly team will be on hand to prepare food parcels and other essentials for delivery to vulnerable people in the Bellshill, Mossend and Thorniewood communities during this difficult time.

The Group will also support the collection and delivery of key items including prescriptions to vulnerable people and can facilitate the collection of shopping for those who require a shopper to get out and do this for them.

We will also signpost and give information via the helpline where people can be linked in to Befriending for a telephone call and given information on other services, through adding information packs to the deliveries.

We are also aware that although people need help now, we also need to prepare for after lock down, so with your help we can make sure all areas of our community are strong and supported - now and into the future.

The Communities Together initiative involves a number of community councils, the local community forum, community groups, NHS, North Lanarkshire Council Employees and Elected Members, and individuals who live in Bellshill, Mossend, Thorniewood and surrounding communities. At this time we are welcoming Volunteers - who can register their interest via this link: https://forms.gle/Sa8QSphLLKqpRQX49 - we will be hosting a Volunteer Information and Orientation Session on Thursday 23rd April 2020, this week at 12 Noon in the YMCA Bellshill. If you wish to volunteer then please do register your interest.

In addition, we would be delighted if anyone wished to make donations of essential items such as tins, other non-perishables, baby products, gluten or allergen free produce etc. These can be notified via email and arrangements made for delivery or collection.

Kind Regards

Claire McElroy Health Improvement Senior (Bellshill Locality)