“I have been in that place before and I have needed a hand up and I am sure other people have as well.”
The words of a Wishaw minister as he and other volunteers aim to continue the good work done across the town with the local foodbank.
South Wishaw Parish Church has recently taken over the running of the provision of a foodbank for the Wishaw area taking over the mantle from Basics Food Bank.
The Wishaw Community Foodbank now operates two mornings per week from the church in East Academy Street and includes a home delivery service.
Reverend Terry Moran said: “The work Basics were doing was phenomenal and we have simply picked up the baton from them in terms of the foodbank.
“They are still offering a voucher scheme which allows people to go to various supermarkets.
“David Shaw at Basics has been a great supporter and his experience has been invaluable in offering us advice.
“Through fundraising and donations we have also been able to get a car with wheelchair access and that has allowed us to do home deliveries and out of hours.
“As well as that, we are helping people by the usual referrals from the Scottish Welfare Fund and the Citizens Advice Bureau.”
As well as the foodbank, the volunteers will also be hosting a school uniform bank.
Terry admits providing the service is something the volunteers wish they hadn’t have to do but thinks foodbank use will continue particularly as the furlough scheme ends.
“We are now seeing people being referred who have been in full-time employment but lockdown has left them in differing circumstances,” said Terry.
“I have been in that place before and I have needed a hand up and I am sure other people have as well.
“All we can do is to provide a level of support for everyone who needs us and we will continue to do that.
“The support we have had from businesses, churches and individuals in Wishaw has been brilliant.
“That gives us all strength to keep going.”
