We stepped up to help families
Charity boss on the year’s challenges
Demand from desperate families needing help to manage their food bills jumped by 159 per cent, according to a support charity.
Star Project helps vulnerable families in the north end of Paisley and said demand for their food insecurity services shot up when lockdown hit a year ago.
There has also been a 731 per cent increase in engagements with their core programme of 1:1 support and creative workshops and overall, it has supported more than 10,000 people.
Manager Sharon McAuley said her team of staff and volunteers have stepped up to the challenge.
“We have no choice but to grow and continue adapting to be able to meet these needs.
“I’m sure you can imagine the impact of this on such a small charity with limited resources. But we see it as our role to respond to the needs of the community and we were, and continue to be, best placed to do this.
“Being embedded in the community with 21- plus years experience means that people can come to us and trust we are equipped to support them effectively.
“The increase in our engagement numbers reflect what’s going on in the wider community – fear, frustration, anger, exacerbated poverty issues, declining mental health, and of course anxiety over what’s coming next.”
Sharon said they quickly adapted their services to go online as well as their community fridge and pantry to enable deliveries and recruited an army of volunteers to help.
She said: “The stars of the show were our summer day trips which were virtual sensory experiences filled with creative challenges, laughter, and making memories together.
“We worked with artist Rachel Mimiec to make it all happen. The partnership working has been incredible, and although I think it’s always been good in Renfrewshire, this absolutely jumped up a level.
“Partners have been very supportive of each other, we’ve shared resources, advice, protocols and risk assessments, pep talks, staff, and we’ve also shared the odd tear.
“Another positive is that people are noticing nature more, talking about bird song, exploring walks, and that they’re getting back into old hobbies and trying new ones to support their own well-being.”
As for the future, Sharon hopes people will keep the community spirit and generosity and keep engaging with cultural and creative activities, and nature.
She added: “I hope we all realise that there’s a better way to live, one that’s more balanced and kind.
“And I’m also hoping that those in power take some of the harrowing lessons learned over the past year and step up their game in terms of tackling poverty and the inequalities within our communities and workforces, which have all been exacerbated by this pandemic.”