Applications are now open for the Third Sector Resilience Fund (TSRF), a £20 million emergency fund for third sector organisations in Scotland. It is part of a £350m support package for the sector in Scotland in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The fund will support organisations across the third sector who are at risk of closure due to a sharp decrease in income, or that are unable to deliver their services during this difficult period.

With many people in our community eager to offer support, our Inverclyde Life information and events platform for the third sector is being used to connect groups able to help with those seeking support.

Reflecting our caring community, we have been approached by many people here in Inverclyde eager to offer their support at this time. So we are using our dedicated volunteering website, www.volunteerinverclyde.org.uk, where we have added 'COVID-19' as an event to capture those willing and able to help.

A basic education service is being provided in Inverclyde for the children of key workers even although all schools and nurseries are closing today, Friday 20 March.

The move means that the workers whose efforts are vital to keep the country going during the COVID-19 outbreak, will be able to do their jobs without worrying about childcare.