Soirbheas rolls out community larders in Glen Urquhart and Strathglass to provide support during coronavirus pandemic
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A local charity has been working closely with key organisations to provide community support during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Soirbheas has provided support across Glen Urquhart and Strathglass including sending out community newsletters and establishing a community helpline coordinated by volunteers.
The helpline helps to deliver medication, shopping and provide essential journeys to hospital appointments.
Soirbheas has also distributed hand sanitiser to businesses that are operating with help from the Safe Hands project).
The latest project has been inspired by similar food initiatives running in other Highland communities.
There are community larders in Drumnadrochit – at the bus shelter at the bottom of Balmacaan Road and at the former Tourist Information Centre in the main car park.
The larders stock basic food and toiletry supplies, with the specific aim of supporting people that find themselves facing financial hardship.
Carol Masheter, the community development manager at Soirbheas, said: “The aim of the larders is to make essential supplies as accessible as possible, particularly to those living in our rural communities.
"It is often challenging to reach people that are most in need and no more so than now. Added to this not everyone knows where to go for support or they may simply feel they can’t ask."
The Charity has set up a further four larders in the area this week which are based at Balnain, Tomich, Cannich and Struy.
They are stocked by volunteers and donated items can either be left at any of the larders in the boxes provided, or dropped off at the church hall in Drumnadrochit.
Items can be dropped off on Mondays, between 2pm and 4pm, Wednesdays, between 5pm and 7pm, or Fridays, between 2pm and 4pm.
Organisers would be grateful for donations of dry and tinned goods, cereals, tea, coffee and toiletries – all items must be in date.
Anyone who is shielding or self-isolating can contact the community helpline to request support by calling 07516 317180.
For more information on items to donate or the location of the Larders either visit here or send an email to info@soirbheas.org
