Annexe Communities COVID-19 Response

That the Parliament acknowledges the extraordinary support offered by staff and volunteers from Annexe Communities, which is based in Partick, Glasgow, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; understands that staff and 23 volunteers immediately began coordinating the PATCH (Partick and Thornwood Community Help) scheme when the lockdown was announced on 23 March 2020; notes that this support was aimed at vulnerable and older people who had no family support, no internet access to order food online, were self-isolating or shielding and were existing Annexe Communities participants; further notes that the scheme was rapidly expanded, with over half of those served being new referrals from housing associations, sheltered housing complexes, mental health charities and other support organisations, including younger people who were living with underlying health conditions; understands that Annexe Communities received support from Fair Share, the Scottish Government, the National Lottery, local supermarkets and butchers, which enabled it to deliver 3,400 bags of shopping, equating to over 20,000 meals; acknowledges that it also provided health and wellbeing support through information packs and regular telephone calls to those who were most vulnerable; believes that the charity's ability to adapt and respond quickly to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable during these unprecedented times demonstrates its commitment to supporting its local community and the people who live there, and thanks all those involved for their incredible efforts.