The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Fifers struggling with lockdown helped by an army of volunteers
Tens of thousands providing friendship and vital supplies
An army of volunteers has stepped forward to help more than 5,000 vulnerable Fifers since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Voluntary sector boss Kenny Murphy said more than 2,500 people had joined forces with the 90,000 already working for free to assist with medication, food and friendship.
Mr Murphy, chief executive of Fife Voluntary Action, said a crowdfunder had raised more than £40,000 to buy essentials for those struggling to pay.
Help to alleviate loneliness and mental health issues is also on offer.
“We’ve given direct support to over 5,000 people and have delivered over 3,000 prescriptions,” he said.
“We’re lucky here in Fife. We work well together and we mobilised extremely quickly.
“We had a website up and running before most local authorities and national charities.
“
We work well together and have mobilised extremely quickly. KENNY MURPHY
“We still have a huge amount of capacity in our sector and are here to help.”
Mr Murphy said that while a power of work had already been carried out, there was more that could be done.
“A lot of people are really struggling and we provide befriending and welfare checks,” he said.
“We make phone calls and pay for essential items for people if they don’t have the ability to pay.”
Among the volunteers are members of the Vine Church in Dunfermline, which has been providing more than 100 freshly prepared meals to people in need every day.
Boosted by National Lottery funds, Free Meals Dunfermline has provided more than 2,500 meals in four weeks.
Volunteer Adrian Turk said members had been moved by heartbreaking and desperate stories of need.
“We are delivering this service with the help of many volunteers from all walks of life – skilled workers on furlough, teachers, social workers, shopkeepers, unemployed and university students.”
The Vine’s pastor Aaron Dowds, who is also a local pharmacist, added: “Free meals to me is simply about loving your neighbour.”
To donate or volunteer, visit thevinechurch.com/free-meals