The Islay Resilience Group (IRG) continues to thrive and evolve.
Started by a group of like-minded people, the Islay response to Coronavirus has been nothing less than extraordinary and a partnership of local charities and organisations continues to drive the IRG forward. Unprecedented times necessitate unprecedented action. Without exception everyone on Islay continues to come together to make sure that everybody is cared for, looked after and most importantly not alone. The Group is an island-wide collaboration with many island bodies setting aside their own priorities to come together with the aim of supporting and protecting those in need – both physically and emotionally.
Guided by a local coordinator, depending in which area you live, assistance has been and is available for those who may need food provisions, medical deliveries, fuel or a friendly voice (on the phone or at a safe distance.) Looking across the world it is evident that the sense of community spirit is strong and when the tide turns the worst thing will be if we have learned nothing from this virus.
Donations have continued to pour in via the Go Fund Me page; donations from international visitors, local businesses and individually from all ages within the community – some donating ‘piggy bank’ money or hard-earned pocket money! Other donations and funding have also been given or applied for giving a boost to the bank account. The marvellous band of 148 island-wide volunteers are visible with their lanyards and shopping bags, clutching lists from their neighbours and friends, making sure that nobody feels alone. All monies are being channelled to an island wide fund named the Islay COVID-19 Fund.
The Islay COVID-19 Fund has been set up and applications to the Fund can be made to a panel of representatives made up from Islay bodies – Islay Resilience Group, Islay Community Council, Emergency Planning Group, Islay and Jura Community Enterprises, Dunlossit and Islay Community Trust, Islay Development Initiative and South Islay Development. This funding has been established as part of an investment package to provide financial support targeted through community organisations working in partnership within the community and public services, to coordinate efforts in response to the Islay Covid-19 pandemic.
Due to the nature of this pandemic and the ever-changing situation, the Islay Covid-19 Fund will be administered centrally through SID. Applications are welcomed from groups or organisations with a registered address on Islay. Projects should provide clear benefit to the wider community of Islay.
In the first instance please request an application form from the Local Development Officer at SID by email: Southislaydevelopment@gmail.com
Grants from £250 to £2,000 can be applied for and the panel will assess the applications quickly and in a timely manner.
