Trading Standards advice for Helping Hands

As we all deal with uncertainty and isolation during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Highland Council’s Trading Standards team know that there are many in our communities who want to volunteer their time and services to offer a helping hand to others who need support.

To help you to do so we have 5 Helping Hands guidelines to follow if you want to protect yourself and offer assistance to others:

• Join an official group
• Carry verifiable ID
• Don’t ask for money up front
• Follow social distancing rules
• Protect others - report anything suspicious

If you would like to volunteer to help others during the COVID19 pandemic, avoid cold calling people to offer help. Sign up as an official volunteer and make sure that vulnerable people get the help they need.

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 2 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