Good train of thought

A Food Train carrying vital deliveries has arrived in South Ayrshire.

The charity service is for people over 65 who need help with their weekly shopping.

Volunteers fetch folks groceries, bring them back and even unpack them.

The Food Train is running as a pilot in Prestwick, Ayr and Troon and there are hopes to extend it further.

Manager Marri Welsh said: “We are getting a lot of referrals from social workers and families for older people who would struggle to get food. When our volunteers deliver they help put it away and have a blether. We are hoping to cover the whole of South Ayrshire eventually.

“So far it has been well received by people in the area and we are getting good feedback from social workers and the Biggart Hospital.”

Twenty five people have signed up in South Ayrshire so far.

As can be seen from these photos Ayr MSP John Scott was introduced to the service during a recent visit to Sainsbury’s in Prestwick.

Marri added: “It was national befriending week earlier this month and social isolation among older people is a major issue.

“For many Food Train customers the two visits per week from our volunteers can be the only social contact they have all week. This contact not only helps to improve their mental health and wellbeing, but can be a means of monitoring the most vulnerable older people in our society and signposting on to other services.”

The Food Train is already running in other parts of the country including North Ayrshire, Stirling and Glasgow.

Elderly people in Dumfries founded the service in 1995.

Clients have to complete a blank shopping form, which is collected by the Food Train team. After carrying out the shopping the groceries are delivered and unpacked.

The service, which is funded by the Scottish Government, costs £ 4.