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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Jenny Kirkham

Liverpool star Andy Robertson behind yet another incredible gesture during coronavirus lockdown

Liverpool star Andy Robertson has got behind yet another incredible cause during the UK wide coronavirus lockdown.

The 26-year-old defender is known for his generosity and has reportedly been spending his off time looking out for the most vulnerable in society during the COVID-19 crisis.

Since the Premier League was suspended last month, Robbo has been linked to a number of large donation to local foodbanks.

And now, he has thrown his weight behind supporting the elderly in our community who are facing a difficult time at the minute.

The Glasgow-born Red is working with Age Scotland to raise the profile of the charity to those who may need it.

He has said he wants people to know that the charity, which has experienced a tenfold increase in calls during the coronavirus outbreak, is there for them.

Robertson said: "I've got older family members myself so I know what a worrying time this is for them.

"It can be hard to know where to get good information and advice, or even how to have a friendly chat if you are on your own.

Liverpool FC defender Andy Robertson is raising awareness for Age Scotland (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

"This is especially so if you are not online, like half a million over 60s in Scotland."

He added: "I want people to know that Age Scotland is here for them.

"Their fantastic helpline is offering great support to older people and their families as we all adapt to a new way of life for a while."

Age Scotland typically receives around 70 calls a week but this has spiked to more than 700.

The generous Red has also been linked to a number of foodbank donations since the UK wide lockdown (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The charity is now operating a virtual call centre, with advisers working from home to handle the surge in the number of inquiries and ensure that older people across Scotland have access to all the support available.

Most of the charity's staff have now been drafted in and trained to work in the helpline service.

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland's chief executive, said: "We're really grateful to Andy Robertson for helping to make sure older people know about Age Scotland's free helpline and how they can access help and support.

"His support means a great deal to older people and to Age Scotland."

He added: "Coronavirus is causing a great deal of anxiety among older people and their families.

"Many people don't know where to turn for information, advice and how to access the range of services which are sprouting up across Scotland to support them.

"We are here to help."

The charity said that the vast majority of calls from older people and their families have been seeking advice or information about issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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