Charity moves home

Foodbank base

We s t Lothian Foodbank has moved to new purpose-built premises in Livingston.

The charity has moved to Heron Square at Deans Industrial Estate from its head office in Answer House, Whitburn and warehouse in Knightsridge. The larger site incorporates the warehouse with new office space. The Whitburn distribution centre remains open at Whitburn Pentecostal Church. West Lothian Foodbank manager, Kathleen Neilly, said: “We have seen another increase in the number of individuals referred to us in crisis, and we are now in an even better position to deal with the rising tide of referrals.” The foodbank, a member of The Trussell Trust’s network, reported a rise in foodbank use across West Lothian last month, with over 4000 individuals fed by the charity last year. Kathleen added: “The people of West Lothian have always been extremely generous in giving help. So much so that our old warehouse in Knightsridge was unable to store the increasing volume of donations. We will continue to provide vital support when it matters most and are dedicated to ensuring that people in our community with no money for food are able to access emergency support . We remain increasingly concerned by the nationwide effects of full universal credit rollout and have particular concerns around the impacts that this may have on those most vulnerable in West Lothian. If you can help us in any way to fill our new warehouse, please get in touch.” Anyone who can help the foodbank can visit www.westlothian. foodbank.org.uk.