As restrictions lift struggle for families goes on
Stirling’s leading foodbank charity has launched a new campaign in a bid to help those still struggling with challenges as Covid-19 restrictions lift.
Start Up Stirling say while the lifting of some of the restrictions surrounding the pandemic are welcome, many of the people the charity supports are not seeing their lives improve due to furlough ending, unemployment rising, food and fuel costs increasing and the reduction in Universal Credit.
The organisation is therefore launching its Communities Beyond Covid Appeal and asking for the public’s help.
One client supported by Start Up Stirling said: “The last year has been terrible with the pandemic but with the kindness from the staff and volunteers from Start Up Stirling it was much better.
“When they delivered food they also showed hope in a pretty hopeless time.”
Another added: “It was good for my kids to see that in a terrible time there were people willing to help other people.”
The charity’s coordinator Julie Christie said the level of referrals for its Crisis Food Support service remains above prepandemic levels and Start Up is currently supporting over 400 people per week - a third of whom are children.
“With the difficult financial circumstances that many families face this autumn, it has led to a sharp increase in referrals for crisis food support,” said Julie. “In turn this has placed an unprecedented strain on stock levels.
“For the first time ever, we are having to buy staple foods like baked beans, in order to keep up with demand, rather than being able to rely solely on donations.
“We are therefore asking people to join our Communities Beyond Covid Appeal and, together, we can replenish our stock of essential food and continue to provide families in crisis throughout the Stirling Council area with nutritious food when they need it most.”
Legends Coffee House, run by Stirling District Tourism, are supporting the appeal with the sale of their Braveheart bears, which are unique to them and can only be purchased from their shop. A pound from every bear and 50p from every Braveheart bear pencil topper sold will be donated to Start Up Stirling’s Communities Beyond Covid Appeal. They are also donating 50p for every scone purchased at the Coffee House until October 17.
The climax of the appeal, on Sunday October 17, will be supported by Stirling Council and Historic Environment Scotland as The Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle turn Start Up Stirling purple. The date also marks the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which highlights the effort and struggle of people living in poverty.
There are a number of ways that you can support Start Up Stirling’s “Communities Beyond Covid” Appeal:
By donating food at one of the Start Up Stirling donation stations throughout the Stirling Council area. An autumn shopping list of items can be found in the news section of the charity’s website - see https://startupstirling.org.uk/news/2021/ autumn-shopping-list
By donating funds via the website to provide tinned, dried or fresh food and fuel to keep delivery vans on the road. There is also a tap for donations located in the King’s Mall at The Thistle’s Shopping Centre. https:// startupstirling.org.uk/donate
By fundraising - organise a bake sale, a sponsored silence with work colleagues or raffle and donate the funds raised to Start Up Stirling. Let them know what you are doing, so they can give your fundraising efforts a shout out on social media
By becoming a corporate partner; businesses can help by making a financial gift, purchasing items needed or donating gifts in kind.
For the first time ever, we are having to buy staple foods like baked beans, in order to keep up with demand, rather than being able to rely solely on donations Julie Christie
By telling friends on Facebook (startup. stirling) and Twitter (@stirlingstartup) about the “Communities Beyond Covid” Appeal and follow Start Up Stirling on social media.
To find out more about how to help the “Communities Beyond Covid” Appeal telephone 01785 561027 or e-mail: mail@ startupstirling.org.uk. Visit https:// startupstirling.org.uk/ for more information and the autumn shopping list of items desperately needed.