Lifeline project providing food and friendship receives £72k to expand work in Inverness
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A community-run cafe in Inverness is to expand its work in tackling food poverty and social isolation after receiving £72,000 from a new Scottish Government fund.
Inverness Foodstuff, which provides food, friendship and support for those facing significant challenges including financial hardship and homelessness, has seen demand soar during the past year.
Based at Ness Bank Church, it is among more than 50 projects to receive a share from the government's £3.2 million Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund which will run for the next three years.
Inverness Foodstuff will use its share of the money to expand its lunch club to the city's Hilton area where it is expected to benefit an estimated 2400 homeless and vulnerable people over the duration of the fund.
Equalities Minister Emma Roddick announced the successful bids yesterday as she visited the Inverness project where she previously volunteered, helping to deliver meals during the coronavirus pandemic.
Chairman of Inverness Foodstuff, Stuart Black, said the project was delighted to receive the funding to expand its service into Hilton, a recognised area of need.
He said the project has operated since 2015, offering hot food three times a week, using surplus food but stressed it was more than just a meal.
"We offer access to clothing, debt relief, IT support, mental health support, housing and homelessness support and access to hairdressing," he said.
"Inverness Foodstuff also provides 75 volunteering opportunities.
"Over the past year we have served 8500 meals in our city centre premises, an increase of 58 per cent compared to 2021-22.
"This reflects the cost of living crisis and the extent of poverty in our city."
The extended service, which will be run in partnership with High Life Highland, will operate at Hilton Community Centre two days a week starting next month.
As she joined diners yesterday for a three-course meal of Scotch broth, roasted vegetable frittata and apple pie, Ms Roddick revealed she had helped make up boxes at Inverness Foodstuff to deliver by bike during the coronavirus pandemic.
She said although lockdowns were no longer in place, people still lived in places where they felt isolated, or did not see anyone.
"Social isolation and loneliness can affect anyone, but especially those most affected by the cost of living crisis such as disabled people, younger people, and those who live alone," she said.
"The Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund is providing support to a range of projects across Scotland which deliver vital services in their communities.
"Inverness Foodstuff is a great example of how this Scottish Government funding will help to bring more people together, creating stronger social connections and improving public health.
"We are determined to tackle the harm caused by this hidden problem and this fund is just one of the actions we are taking to help tackle social isolation and loneliness through our plan, Recovering our Connections."
Sharron Mackenzie and Jeannie Carter, both of Culcabock, first attended an eight-week cookery course at Inverness Foodstuff and are now volunteers.
"Before that, I didn't really go out," said Ms Mackenzie who said it had helped her with her depression and anxiety.
"I would just sit in the house and struggle. Since coming here, I have met a lot of nice people."
Mrs Carter said previously she would not have sat among people.
"This has made me a better person," she said. "I think what they are doing here is absolutely amazing."
She added that she had to budget for her living costs carefully and on the days she went to the lunch club, she knew it was one less meal to consider.
Volunteer Paul Johnston said there was a lot of dignity among people at the lunch club.
"People struggled through the covid pandemic – there were people in and out of work, or furloughed," he said.
"Since then, we have moved to increased costs of living and utility bills.
"It is about food poverty but it is also about social isolation."
Retired nurse and social worker Sandy Christie has been a volunteer for about two years.
"With all my training, I felt I should be using it and so I came here," he said.
"I live by myself so it means I am getting out – and I get a cup of tea as well."
