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COLOURFUL postcards designed to help vulnerable people stay connected with their friends and family during the coronavirus pandemic will be sent out by Renfrewshire Council from Monday.

Everyone who is receiving food and medicine deliveries from the council will see a postcard popped through their door in the coming days which they can display in their windows or send to loved ones they haven't been able to see.

Each postcard will include an illustrated poem by Tannahill Makar for Renfrewshire, Brian Whittingham, called ‘Renfrewshire Snapshots,’ which recalls happier times and looks forward to better days.

The illustrations will include a rainbow which children can colour in.

The Postcards from Home campaign is being launched as part of Volunteer Week, which runs until Sunday, and the council will be asking residents to submit their ideas for the next postcard design.

Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered to help during this crisis for the important role they are playing in supporting their neighbours and people in their communities.

“It is truly inspiring to see how communities have pulled together to support and look after one another.

“Postcards from Home will see thousands of Renfrewshire residents who may be feeling isolated at the moment receive a special postcard in their support parcel, helping people like them feel more connected to their community.”

Residents are also being encouraged to share their stories of kindness and volunteering in the community on social media, using the hashtag #KindnessCounts.

Daily case studies highlighting acts of kindness will be shared by the council online and Engage Renfrewshire will stream videos of people thanking volunteers.

More than 60 volunteers have been working with council staff and the local authority’s partners to support people in the community through neighbourhood hubs.

These are run by the council in partnership with organisations such as the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Renfrewshire Leisure to provide support to residents who need extra help in coping with the pandemic.

Volunteers have been carrying out tasks such as doorstep deliveries, helping with daily errands like dog walking and becoming email penpals to residents who may be feeling lonely.

Those looking to volunteer can still sign up at https://volunteer.engagerenfrewshire.com/