Congratulations to Debbie Herron on being chosen as Forres Rotary’s Citizen of the Year.

Debbie is the lead development officer with Forres Area Community Trust (FACT). Among other ventures they have taken over the responsibility for running the Town Hall.

We are sure you will agree that Debbie is a very worthy winner as she has done so much for Forres in a very unassuming way.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157796485162804&id=81925457803

A big thank you to Kathleen McGookin and her colleagues from Johnston’s of Elgin for a huge donation to Moray Food plus.

Kathleen & friends made face masks and asked for donations. The cash generated has turned into this massive food donation!

Well done to everyone involved!  

Forres Local have compiled a list of useful information about how COVID19 is effecting Forres and the surrounding area. They have info such as:

• Recent news.
• Which local businesses are still open for business.
• Which local businesses are offering food deliveries.
• Contact information about various support groups.
• and Advice about the lock-down.

https://forreslocal.com/coronavirus/business/

Following on from an intensive briefing day last Friday we hope to have the  volunteer telephone befriending programme up and running by Friday this week. We can help with signposting to services that can help you  if you are in need.  This is a work in progress and will develop over the coming weeks as we understand the impact of the pandemic on our community.

Please keep in touch through social media or by calling us on 01309 674 388 and leaving a message. We will get back to you as soon as we can.

Following on from the current advice given by the Scottish Government and NHS, Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) have reviewed how we can respond to the current Coronavirus situation.

The FACT team  still remain open for business but our approach is changing.

You may find the following information useful.

1. As a social space Forres Town Hall will be closed for the foreseeable future (at least until the 13^th April when we will review the situation and make decisions about our next steps).

2. FACT is preparing an action plan for ensuring that people can still access Forres Online and the Cameron Project (befriending) through the telephone or online. More information will be posted online and as posters around the area as we confirm the detail. Please follow us on Twitter @Forres_Area, Facebook – Forres Area Community Trust  or Forres Town Hall or check out our website – forresarea.org to keep up to date with our news and the changing situation.

3. FACT staff will be working from home and can still be contacted by email through info@forresarea.org or by leaving a message on 01309 674 388. You can also drop a note through the Town Hall door or write to us at Forres Town Hall, High Street, Forres IV36 1PB. We will aim to get back to you within 24 hours.

4. Requests for Food Parcels can be made direct to Moray Food Plus on 01343 208 293 or email request@morayfoodplus.org.uk  and food donations can be made to the Co-op, Forres High Street.

5. We are planning a co-ordinated approach to supporting those most isolated and vulnerable. This will include opportunities for a telephone befriending system and we are looking for volunteers to help. If you are interested in helping out please contact Kirsty at kirsty@forresarea.org for more detail.

We are still here and happy to help however we can under the current climate.

For more information:

• Telephone – 01309 674 388 (answerphone),
• Email – info@forresarea.org,
• Twitter – @Forres_Area,
• Facebook – Forres Area Community Trust  or Forres Town Hall,
• Website – forresarea.org