A group of our trainees are volunteering with Glasgow's Golden Generation, a leading charity for the elderly, to help the city's older people get the support they need during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The seven trainees are used to developing their skills to learn how to keep energy networks connected, but over the next few weeks they will be developing connections with Glasgow’s older adults as they deliver vital supplies of food and make welfare calls to support the charity’s befriending service.
As a result of the coronavirus outbreak and our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of staff, the trainees are currently unable to attend college or our training centre for their scheduled training. This means that they have some extra time available around their college distance learning, which they will use to help remind Glasgow’s older generation that they’re not alone during these challenging times.
Kendal Morris, our General Manager for Customer Service & Social Delivery, said: “It’s crucial that nobody is left to feel alone during these unfamiliar times and we’re doing everything we can to support our local communities and look after our vulnerable customers.
“We are all adapting to significant changes and new ways of working, and whilst our trainees working lives are a little different right now, we’re extremely proud they’ve been willing and able to put the extra time on their hands to such good use.
“Glasgow’s Golden Generation is a brilliant charity that makes sure older people feel supported and safe, so we’re delighted to be able to help them out.”
The seven trainees will work around Shettleston, Battlefield and Woodlands, volunteering their time throughout the week until their normal roles resume.
Richard Donald, Assistant Director at Glasgow’s Golden Generation said: “We are delighted to have the ongoing support of SP Energy Networks during this challenging time.
“Glasgow’s Golden Generation is committed to providing care in the autumn years to older adults across Glasgow, and with seven extra pairs of hands we can reach even more people in need of our help.
“SP Energy Networks’ support means that our parcel campaign can run efficiently, and our befriending team can speak to more older adults, ensuring their wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis.
“We can’t thank SP Energy Networks and their staff enough for their support and look forward to seeing how much we can achieve together.”
We also recently provided Glasgow’s Golden Generation with £9,000 in funding to help the charity provide parcels of essential to locals and help support its telephone befriending system.
The charity has been supporting older adults across the city for over 70 years and focuses on reducing social isolation through projects such as its befriending service, day care centres and volunteer led weekly clubs in the community.