Friendship on the menu at Meal Makers project

COMMUNITY: Sharing a meal aims to combat social isolation

A heartwarming project is tackling social isolation among some of the most vulnerable residents in north-east Fife.

Meal Makers aims to combat loneliness and malnutrition among older people in the area.

It works by pairing senior citizens with a volunteer in their community, who agrees to make an extra portion of whatever they are cooking that day, and to share a meal with their recipient at least once a week.

The scheme started in 2014 with funding from the Scottish Government and Rank Foundation and since then more than 12,000 meals have been shared.

So far there are 52 “cooks” in the area and organisers are hoping to expand the service in the new year.

Among the local diners is a former Miss North East Fife, May Paton, who is now in her 90s.

She moved house to Falkland and was looking for some much needed company when she heard about the project.

“I was desperate to speak to people,” she said.

“When you get to my age you don’t have many friends left so it’s incredibly important to have regular company.”

May has been paired with NHS worker Lyndsay Clark since April and the pair have been laughing their way through their Sunday dinners ever since.

May added: “In my day your next door neighbour was like your auntie who would help you out but people don’t have time for that now.”

For Lyndsay it was her love of cooking that drew her to the scheme. Her new friendship with May has been an unexpected bonus.

“For me cooking is just a joy,” she said. “When I heard about Meal Makers at a community event I said ‘that’s for me’.

“It’s just no bother. I cook an extra portion of food that evening and there’s always a willing recipient at the other end.”

The pair are urging more people in North East Fife get involved and say they would love to see the scheme expanded even further.

“I can see why some people may be a bit wary however, the joy it can bring for both sides is undeniable,” said Lyndsay.

Anyone interested in becoming a cook or a diner can sign up at mealmakers. org.uk or call 0800 783 7770. leclark@thecourier.co.uk

May Paton, 95, with her Meal Maker partner Lyndsay Clark, who enjoy Sunday dinners together.