Highland Council Trading Standards issues advice for volunteers wishing to help their local community during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic
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During the uncertainty and isolation of the Covid-19 outbreak Highland Council is giving advice for individuals offering their time and services to others.
The advice is from the council’s Trading Standards team who know that there are many in local communities who want to volunteer to offer a helping hand to others who need support.
There are five Helping Hands guidelines to follow to protect the volunteers while offering assistance to others including: join an official group at Ready Scotland, carry verifiable identification, do not ask for money up front, follow social distancing rules and protect others – report anything suspicious.
Volunteers are also advised to avoid cold calling people to offer help and be patient while people are checking identification documentation.
A Trading Standards spokesman said: "If you're volunteering with an official organisation, make sure that you carry ID and be patient while people check it. The person you are helping must be able to verify that you are genuine.
"There are fraudsters taking advantage of those who need help. If you are offering to buy groceries, don’t ask for money up-front and never take the person’s bank card or PIN number. Get a receipt and only accept payment once you've delivered the items.
"Remember to keep a safe distance of two metres away. If you are delivering groceries or medicine, leave it at the door then step away. Find the latest medical guidance at NHS Inform.
"Protect others in your community. Sign up for Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alerts to receive the most up to date information about what's going on in your local area and report anything suspicious to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency."
Trading Standards is providing advice and guidance to businesses and consumers affected by Covid-19.
For more information on Helping Hands.
Members of the public wishing advice on a particular matter can contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or visit Consumer Advice.
