STAFF from the largest housing association in Inverclyde are helping Inverclyde's most vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.

River Clyde Homes staff have been delivering essential food and supplies to those who are self-isolating.

Employees from the social landlord have also have made over 1,500 daily reassurance calls to support customers during the COVID-19 crisis.

Ever since March 26, teams have been calling tenants daily to ensure they are getting the support they need during these testing times.

Eight of those called notified RCH staff that they were feeling unwell, whilst others said they were having difficulty receiving supplies or accessing their pharmacy.

Through these calls, staff have been able to get direct help for tenants.

Stevie McLachlan, head of customer services at River Clyde Homes, said: “Since being approached by Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership to help deliver meals to some of our most vulnerable customers, I have been overwhelmed by the response from staff across the group.

"Each day, four trade operatives have been liaising closely with the wardens in our sheltered housing complexes to deliver hot meals contact-free and we would expect this service to grow as the situation worsens.

"These are difficult times so it’s brilliant to see staff from across the group go above and beyond to support each other.”

The volunteers are delivering dozens of meals and to ensure that clients and volunteers are kept safe, staff have been following social distancing guidelines.

Robert Doolan, a grounds operative from RCH subsidiary Home Fix Scotland, has been one of the volunteers on the frontline.

Robert, who has been volunteering after work, said: “I think it’s always important to support one another and to give something back to our community.

"We’ve never been faced with a situation like this and I think it’s important that we pull together to help.

"I’d already been helping people on my street, so thought I should extend my help and offer it where I can to those who need it.”

Many tenants are experiencing financial difficulty as a result of furlough and job losses - and RCH wellbeing staff have been working around the clock to provide help and advice to those who are struggling to get by.

Julie Allison, service improvement manager, said: “The reassurance calls are among a raft of new measures rolled out to help residents through these extraordinary days.

"While we continue to carry out emergency and statutory repairs, our teams understand the critical role they play in supporting the Inverclyde community.

"We’re very proud of our staff, who have displayed an enormous show of care and compassion for the tenants' welfare at this difficult time.

"The feedback we've had has been amazing and I’m very proud of the teams’ work, in often difficult circumstances.”