Star Project: We will bring you food and a shoulder to cry on
A lifeline charity has delivered food to more than 1,000 vulnerable Buddies as it tells those living alone, “We are here for you”.
The Star Project is reassuring all those who are unable to leave their home for essential supplies that staff and volunteers are available - to deliver food, but also to support them with feelings of loneliness throughout lockdown.
The call comes after the charity was made aware of people paying acquaintances to go to the shops on their behalf.
Others who are facing 12 weeks at home have been offered the hand of friendship from those at the Wallace Street facility who are telling everyone in the community, “you are not alone”.
Heather Kay, Star project coordinator, told the Express: “A lot of people we speak to are feeling isolated with no family or community links to get them supplies.
“A lot of these people have felt isolated before and this is only compounding the problem.
“We have had phone calls from people saying I am alone and no one cares. So it’s about saying to those people I know you are there now and I will personally phone people that are alone.
“It’s about saying let’s do a checkin call once a week to say how are you doing, it is offering that lifeline, to say you are not alone and we will continue to be there with you.”
Staff at the Star Project are doing everything in their power to ensure no one is left behind in the current crisis.
The organisation is continuing to hold its drop in sessions online and is offering one-to one support over the phone to its existing clients and people who are new to the organisation.
The charity has even set up a crowd funder to raise money for crisis payments for the most vulnerable.
This will be used to top up electricity metres in severe cases and mobile phone cards to ensure those who are feeling cut off from the world have a means to contact staff at the centre.
In addition to supporting people’s mental health and ma i ntaining commu n i t y connections through online activity, the Star Project is ensuring people have food on the table.
The charity - which has always supported people facing food insecurity with its community fridge - is offering food deliveries to the most vulnerable.
This includes those in financial crisis who cannot afford food and those who are unable to go the shops for health reasons.
To date that service, supported by organisations such as Eat Up. Fareshare, St Mirren Community Trust and an army of volunteers, has delivered over 1000 bags of food to those in need since the lock down was imposed.
Heather added: “The positive thing in this is the people going above and beyond to help.
“We have had volunteers here every single day and they work harder than I would ask a member of staff to. They are saying I’m here, what do you need.
“A lot of these people have lost their jobs. There are people who have been let go before furlough and people who have been furloughed and their first thought isn’t for themselves, it is what can I do for my community.
“They have donated food and time and they are absolutely remarkable.”
Anyone who is need of support can call Heather on 07557 876455, while those who can donate supplies can also call that number to arrange for the items to be collected.
She can also be contacted by emailing heather@star-project. org.uk