Today's Edinburgh Evening News features a cover 'wrap' celebrating around 100 Council colleagues who are working around the clock delivering essential services across the city
From carers and refuse collectors, to teachers and maintenance crews, with many more professions in between, thousands of Council colleagues are doing all they can to support Edinburgh’s residents throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Council Leader Adam McVey said:
“We could not have got to where we are without our colleagues who are doing their utmost to ensure those who need help are supported in every way possible. Keeping the city going during this time is no mean feat and these are lifeline services that we all rely on day-to-day.
“The outpouring of support for Edinburgh’s key workers has been phenomenal since the start of this crisis and it’s inspiring to see just how much Edinburghers appreciate the help that their fellow residents are providing.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said:
“We cannot thank our colleagues enough for their hard work and dedication throughout these trying times. Our city would not function without those who are providing these essential services and doing everything they can to support their fellow residents.
“This is a tough time for everyone, and we have to take every opportunity that we can to say thank you to all who are involved in our COVID-19 response – including those who have stayed home to enable our essential workers to do their jobs efficiently and effectively.”
Delivering essential services during the pandemic can look very different depending on the sector or service that is being provided and nine Council colleagues have shared what it feels like for them:
Jane Matheson, Bereavement Services Operational Manager:
“Working with the bereaved at this time has been especially challenging - the need to ensure we can give the best possible care within the legislative limits has been hard and I hope it is something that society does not have to face again.”
Jane Brown, Unit Manager at Inchview Care Home:
“Each day is a challenge and we take one day at a time as advised by Lena Martell, keeping our residents and staff safe and doing so with a smile on our faces. I am very proud of how hard all frontline workers are working and the dedication and good humour shown by them all is very humbling.”
Antonia Monteiro, Customer Contact Officer, Scottish Welfare Fund:
“Since the pandemic began our service has seen a 185% increase in March and a 338% increase in April in Crisis Grant applications. Despite having to adapt and be flexible in our new ways of working, I am very proud to be part of a fantastic team that has been tremendous in helping people affected by the pandemic. I feel a sense of accomplishment to be able to help those in need and it has been rewarding to be able to help in any way possible.”
Serena McKim, Registration Service:
"Delivering an essential service during this pandemic has been challenging. Although it has been tough at times, I feel lucky to be able to be there for families in this heart-breaking time and it’s been extremely rewarding to help them get through it. I have grown as a person and have learnt not to take even the little things for granted. The team of people that I work with has been incredible in making the transition into remote working as easy as possible.”
Jessica Morgado, Senior Natural Heritage Officer at Pentland Hills National Park:
"It is a new challenge to juggle childcare, home learning and prioritising your workload. We have to keep team spirits high while delivering essential services to ensure our parks and greenspaces are safe and accessible for people during lockdown. I am proud to be a part of it and have realised in the process that my children will learn what resilience looks like."
Alfie Forsyth, Cremation Technician:
“I feel as if I am doing ‘my bit’ and hopefully we will never experience anything like this again. I’m glad to help through this difficult time and feel that what I am doing is appreciated.”
Rhoda MacDougall, Headteacher at St Crispin’s School:
“The amazing team at St Crispin’s have supported our children here at the hub since lockdown began. This has been a very difficult time for our school community, but I am so impressed by our families, staff and friends of St Crispin’s who have really risen to the challenges we have faced. It has been an uncertain time for everyone, and I am so proud to have led a school community who have shown their commitment to our learners in so many ways.”
Thomas Ashburner, Acting Cremation Technician:
“I have taken on this role at a critical time and very quickly become part of a team providing an essential service, I feel valued and appreciated.”
Alison Coyle, Service Leader in the Inclusion Support Team:
“My role looks very different to what it normally does and I'm thankful to all the education staff who have planned interventions to make provisions for our most vulnerable pupils. I feel very proud to have been able to work with these pupils and provide them and their families with some much-needed support and respite.”
Edinburgh residents can support their key workers by adhering to public health guidelines including physical distancing and staying at home where possible. For more information, please visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/coronavirus.