A new Glasgow hub has been created to help people struggling amid the Coronavirus crisis - linking them to organisations and volunteers who are keen to help.

Glasgow City Council and Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership have teamed up with Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (GCVS) and Volunteer Glasgow to create Glasgow Helps - a hub which people can contact for help or to volunteer their services.

More than 300 calls were made to the Glasgow Helps phoneline from people offering to volunteer or asking for help in its first week. Assistance with the collection and delivery of essential medicines and access to and delivery of food were the most common requests.

Calls are answered by staff from partner organisations and volunteers from the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. Callers are signposted to a range of charities and voluntary groups across the city who have sprung into action to offer help.

A new website outlining the range of support on offer via the Glasgow Helps hub is also now available. The hub was established by GCVS in response to the lockdown and growing number of people having to self-isolate during the crisis.

Ian Bruce, CEO of GCVS said: "The voluntary sector and public sector have come together to ensure that anyone facing difficulties in Glasgow as a result of COVID-19 has a single point of contact to get help. If you are in Glasgow and facing problems associated with social distancing and self-isolation then call the helpline and we will try to put you in touch with someone who can help. Through the helpline, we are working to connect callers to the support that is out there. Volunteer Glasgow and others are ensuring that people can volunteer safely and the information we have gathered on the Glasgow Helps website shares details on new and emerging services for those looking for support during this difficult time."

Glasgow residents who need support while self-isolating or in lockdown can phone 0141 345 0543 for help or email helpline@gcvs.org.uk helpline is currently open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

People can also visit the website at glasgowhelps.org