Food Train Connects helps older people in the Highlands and Inverness to get vital shopping supplies
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A charity is reaching out to older people across Highland as it expands efforts to improve lives by ensuring older people, aged over 65, do not go without vital shopping supplies.
It is part of work by the wider Food Train organisation as part of its mission to ensure over-65s can eat well and live well in their own homes, tackling issues including malnutrition and loneliness.
The Connects service, the roll out of which began just ten months ago, sees an older person matched with a specific volunteer shopper in their area who carries out weekly/fortnightly grocery trips for them.
Development officer Carol Anderson is leading the charge locally and is encouraging residents in Highland to spread the word among older people who may benefit from the service, or want to become involved themselves, to get in touch.
With a well-established track record of working with older people through work with other charities, she knows the difference that the service makes.
Ms Anderson said: “The feedback we get from people is that the service is a real lifeline, but we know there is a need to reach greater numbers of people.
“An older person who can’t get their own shopping can now have someone to get it for them. This also helps with social isolation and for them to stay connected to their community. It enables them to stay independent for longer.”
Across Scotland, Food Train’s team of volunteers and staff are now getting groceries to about 3,380 people through both its Connects service and across the nine regions with its established shopping operation which sees volunteers carry out mass shops and drive vans to make multiple deliveries.
That number compares to 1,905 before the pandemic.
At its peak last year, the numbers of people having their shopping delivered by Food Train volunteers was 70 per cent higher than in the 12 months previous.
“What we offer is a bespoke one-to-one service - having your own personal shopper,” added Ms Anderson.
“Community groups are doing fantastic work during lockdown, which is making a real difference to people needing help. “Through Food Train and its experience, we can ensure that support is available beyond lockdown
“Food Train’s always going to be here. Everyone we’ve spoken to has really liked the idea of the Connects service in their community.”
To find out more about Food Train Connects, refer an older person or volunteer, go to their website www.foodtrainconnects.org.uk.
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