MORE than 600 council staff who have volunteered to help in alternative roles across Dumbarton and the Vale throughout the coronavirus pandemic have been praised by the local authority.

Some staff have been redeployed into roles in the council’s contact centre, where they answer hundreds of queries each day, while others have been providing support to the most vulnerable people in the care homes and communities.

One WDC worker, Claire Prior, 32, who usually works in the revenue and benefits department, has been working in a care home.

Claire said: “My duties have included moving residents, helping with meal times, personal hygiene and supporting them in general in things like talking to them about how they feel and just being there to chat if they want to.

“This is home for these elderly residents, so we want them to feel safe here.

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“I volunteered because I wanted to help and it feels good to be doing something during this time. I hope that if I was in this situation, or a family member was, then other people would volunteer their time if they were able.”

As well as offering support in care homes, WDC staff have been out in the community, supporting people who are unable to leave their homes.

Educational services worker Gill Graham has volunteered to help the crisis support team.

She said: “Over the last five weeks I’ve worked with over 100 individual clients to deliver prescriptions and shopping. I have regular visits a week.

“The services we deliver play a vital role in reducing the anxiety of our residents, which I see every day.”

Community organisations including local foodbank Food For Thought and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park have also joined forces with the council to allow staff to help out.

Kevin Unnit works for the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, but is now supporting vulnerable and isolated residents.

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He said: “We have joined a large volunteer team supporting over 1,000 vulnerable and isolated residents in West Dunbartonshire. Every day hundreds of workers are delivering shopping and other essential supplies.

“Everyone whose door I’ve knocked on has been hugely relieved, grateful and thankful for my efforts.”

Cllr Caroline McAllister said: “I am extremely proud and humbled to see the way the communities in West Dunbartonshire have joined forces with the council to make sure nobody is isolated or alone.

“It is important to thank every person who showed willing to help during this pandemic.

“If one good thing comes from this pandemic, it will be that we have been reminded how important it is for communities to work together and look after each other.”