SMALL acts of kindness across the Wee County are helping to tackle loneliness during the coronavirus crisis, according to an Alloa care service manager.

Susan McCormack, service manager at Mears Care in Alloa, opened up to the Scottish Social Services Council as part of its Inspiring Care Stories campaign.

She explained how in unprecedented times, it is the little things that can help a person feel they are not alone.

The service manager said: “Communities coming together and neighbourhoods having a higher sense of commitment is vital to tackling loneliness.

“Checking on elderly neighbours to make sure that they are okay and have enough shopping, making time to chat for five mins over the phone or at the door, collecting prescriptions, doing some baking for other people - all of these acts have made a massive difference.”

Her service provides temporary respite care to people in their own homes to enable family members and other carers to take a break.

While staff worked hard to make sure nobody was left behind, the manager explained how the community has also played a vital part.

Indeed, people using the service have been provided with activity isolation packs, sent direct from the Royal Voluntary Service, made up of puzzles and crosswords to keep minds active.

At the Mears Care Alloa office, a library has been created for readers who have been struggling get a hold of a good book.

Children have been getting involved too - sending pictures, cards and drawings to people using the service – as highlighted by the Advertiser during the first weeks of lockdown.

Among them were Sophie and Amber, who consistently delivered their work to the office every week.

Some recipients have responded by sending back letters, while others made gifts out of arts and crafts materials.

In turn, staff have also been receiving small gifts from appreciative relatives as well as support in a wider sense.

Susan added: “We still have so much to be thankful for and it’s brilliant to see the communities come together.

“Clackmannan Community Active Travel offered to help out our support staff on the front line and suggested alternative modes of transport during Covid-19 by loaning a bicycle to anyone struggling with transport.

“We also had 240 litres of hand sanitiser donated by a local distillery.”