A PROJECT helping to combat social isolation has helped thousands of vulnerable people during the coronavirus outbreak.

Community care forum Your Voice has offered a lifeline to residents forced to stay in their own homes during the pandemic.

Since the lockdown their staff and volunteers have made more than 6,000 calls, staying in touch with nearly 4,500 people.

Your Voice's Stephen Harrison said: "Whilst being physically distanced, we remain socially connected and are actively listening to communities and working with partners to respond to the situation.

"We continue to identify the best new ways to engage and highlight the issues, challenges and priorities and will continue to work with local people to develop community-led solutions."

Your Voice in Clyde Square works closely to support people with long-term health conditions, who often suffer from loneliness.

During the Covid-19 outbreak they have used all their resources to make sure those who are having to isolate are not on their own.

In some cases they stay on the line for up to an hour, offering a listening ear.

Their partners from the Macmillan Cancer Support connect team have been supporting people affected by the disease.

Your Voice has also produced an activity booklet containing information about COVID-19, plus a range of simple exercises that can be done at home, puzzles, baking recipes and much more.

Stephen added: "We have also compiled a resource pack which includes information on support services and shops who are delivering groceries and prepared meals.

"The packs are being posted to a variety of individuals within our network and are available to anyone."

Your Voice has also sent out bespoke art boxes to to local care-experienced youngsters.

The health and social care project has also helped the young people to become pen pals with elderly residents in Balclutha Care Home, sending them artwork, videos and singing.

Thanks to Scottish Government funding Your Voice has also teamed up with Belville Community Garden to help folk access food boxes and basic cooking utensils.

Your Voice has also worked with Compassionate Inverclyde and secured funding to provide nightwear, toiletries, and snacks for people in hospital whose families cannot visit.

Chairman Hamish MacLeod said: "We are proud of the excellent work from all our staff and volunteers and looking forward to meeting up with everyone again when this is all over."

To find out more about the work of Your Voice call 728628 or email enquiries@yourvoice.org.uk