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Lochaber foodbank calls for locals to give generously this winter

Alex McConachie from Lochaber Foodbank
Alex McConachie from Lochaber Foodbank

Volunteers from a Highland foodbank, who work with more than 1,100 people, are calling on residents to give generously to its winter appeal.

Lochaber Foodbank has doubled the number of people it helps out each year, and wants to make sure it has enough in store for those in need in the lead up to the festive period.

Alex McConachie, the volunteer manager of the Fort William centre, said benefit changes and the end of seasonal work mean the highest number of people needing support may be yet to come.

The number of people needing help from the foodbank has risen steeply since the centre opened in November 2013 – from 200 people in the early years, to 601 people in 2016, and last year to 1,100 adults and children.

More than 113 people needed help in December alone in 2017.

Mr McConachie, a retired bus driver, said: “We see people when they have nowhere else to turn for help. Quite often we see people who are waiting for benefits to come in. It can take six weeks or longer for benefits to get sorted out. We help out individuals and families.

“While the job centre might offer a loan of money to see them through, we say come to us.

“We also work with people who have started a new job and their benefits have changed or stopped.

“No one should feel embarrassed about asking for help. If we have it, then we will pass it on. People want to help.”

He added that some people visiting the food bank need other things like soap or sanitary ware.

Alex said: “This year we have asked people to donate through a reverse advent calendar. It means people will collect an item every day starting today [November 1] until November 25 and then those 25 items can then be donated to Lochaber Foodbank in time for Christmas.”

With only nine regular volunteers at the foodbank, Alex said people willing to come along and give a few hours a month to help was also needed.

Lochaber Foodbank can be contacted on 01397 700212 or 07421 087 463 or by email on admin@lochaber.foodbank.org.uk